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HISTORY 

of the 

Church of the Brethren 

of the 

Southern District of Ohio 

by the 
Historical Committee 



ELDER JOHN CALVIN BRIGHT, (first) Chairman 
ELDER L. A. BOOKWALTER, (second) Chairman 
ELDER JESSE 0. GARST. Secretary 
ELDER D. M. GARVER, Treasurer 
ELDER I.J. ROSENBERGER 



Editorial Supervision 

by 

ELDER JESSE 0. GARST, A.M. 



SECOND EDITION 

THE OTTERBEIN PRESS 

DAYTON, OHIO 

192 1 






Copyright, 1920 
by the Historical Committee 
Elder Jesse O. Garst, Secretary. 



3! 1921 



©(S.A627873 






SLxx ike mtmxtxig xti ike mzmbtx* 

nf the Church nf the brethren &£ the ;SHuttheru ^District 
nf ©htiT f through tohnse achiefremeuts auc sacrifices 
in the past, bg the grace nt* the ^Inrft, hafre perpet- 
uated mix utuch belofcsa Clutrrh tit the present, 
aua through tohose district (£ou£ercure the 
torrtiug of this iuorkiuas authorized, this 
Imluute is affectionately oebicatefr. 



"Lives of great men all remind us, 
We can make our lives sublime, 
And departing, leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of time. 
Footprints, that perhaps another, 
Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, 
Seeing, shall take heart again." 

— H. W. Longfellow. 



Preface 

OUR fathers were too busy making history to write it. Theirs 
was a double duty not only to subdue sin, but also to subjugate 
the wilderness. How well they did the latter is shown in our 
fertile fields and busy towns. The former is evidenced in the thriving 
churches that dot to-day the hills and valleys of Southern Ohio. Few 
written records were kept. The goosequill pen was not as conducive 
to jotting memoranda as the fountain pen or typewriter of to-day. On 
the tablet of the memory of those living was mainly recorded the deeds 
of the fathers of the church. For a decade or more it had been perco- 
lating through the minds of some that if this was not soon reduced to 
written form, the loss would be irreparable. This gave rise to action 
and at the District Meeting held in the Harris Creek Church, April 20, 
1915, in answer to two local church queries asking that such steps be 
taken, it was decided that a committee of five (Elders J. C. Bright, 
D. M. Garver, L. A. Bookwalter, I. J. Rosenberger and J. O. Garst) be 
appointed to investigate in regard to facts, financial side and anything 
else that would be for the benefit of getting out a history of the 
churches of Southern Ohio and report at next District Meeting. Pur- 
suant to this instruction this committee of elders met at the West 
Dayton Church, July 19, 1915, and organized by electing J. C. Bright 
chairman, and J. O. Garst secretary, and at once began the work. At 
the District Meeting held in Brookville Church. May 9, 1916, the 
committee submitted the following report : 

1. The committee has been energetically gathering material and 
data for said book ; also, as they are becoming better acquainted with 
the work, other avenues of information are constantly opening up, and 
they are still continuing the investigation. 

2. Inasmuch as many early records have been lost because this work 
had not been done before, and the constant lament that it should have 
been done twenty-five years ago, we recommend : 

(a) That a medium-sized history of the churches of 
the Southern District of Ohio be published, all 
details left to the judgment of the committee. 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



(b) That the expense of getting out the work be borne 
from the sale of the book, if possible, and if there 
be an excess or deficit, it be disposed of as Dis- 
trict Meeting in the future should see proper. 

(c) That a Historical committee be appointed and in- 
structed to continue the work, proceeding as above 
and get out the book at the earliest possible date. 
J. C. Bright, chairman, D. M. Garver L. A. Book- 
waiter, I. J. Rosenberger, J. O. Garst, secretary. 

On motion, the report, with its recommendations, was accepted and 
the committee continued according to recommendation (c). 

The fitness of the committee for the task imposed by the District 
Conference will doubtless be judged in the light of its accomplishment. 
It is to be remembered however that all the members of the committee 
were busy men. They made this investigation in the midst of their 
usual church duties and individual activities made especially heavy 
by the stress of the times in a war-rent world: This book is the result 
of the data first gathered by Elders John Calvin Bright, Jesse O. Garst, 
L. A. Bookwalter and I. J. Rosenberger and later revised by Elder 
Jesse O. Garst. While Elder D. M. Garver did not contribute any 
manuscript for this; book on account of other duties, his advice was 
much sought and followed. 

Hindered by the war and the influenza epidemic, this additional ex- 
planation of the delay in getting out this volume might be helpful. 
About the time the manuscript was thought to be almost completed, it 
was put in the hands of Elders L. A. Bookwalter and Jesse O. Garst, 
for a careful examination. They had not proceeded far until they dis- 
covered that as it had been the investigation of different men from so 
many sources, there was not that essential cohesion of detail. The 
committee now put the entire manuscript in the hands of Elder Jesse O. 
Garst for revision and he was made Editorial Supervisor. He soon 
found this a monumental task, tying together the disconnected threads 
and .weaving the same into a harmonious whole. This involved the re- 
gathering of much new data for the verification of dates and state- 
ments, the recasting and rewriting of the book and the making of a log- 
ical classified arrangement of the same. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 9 

Few have a correct conception of the labor, research and perplexities 
resultant on the resurrection of ethereal traditions and mystical facts, 
which have been buried for years beneath the dust of decades and 
fashioning the collected hetrogeneous mass into something like a reli- 
able systematic history. The authenticity of a single date or fact may 
require the work of months and at the end of the research the evidence 
when gathered from different sources, be wonderfully conflicting and 
confusing. 

To this duty, Elder Garst has devoted several of the recent years of 
his life. With an acute sense of imperfections, yet if painstaking re- 
search avails anything, he feels the public can rest assured that for 
reliability and completeness, this volume will bear close inspection. For 
the confidence reposed in him for this work by the other members of 
the committee, he is duly grateful as well as for their advice and 
counsel when needed. In return if it might be pardoned by his brother 
members of the committee, the writer of this preface would like to pay 
a few words of tribute to the personnel of the committee. Elder John 
Calvin Bright presided, until his decease, at all committee meetings with 
becoming* dignity peculiar to himself. His memory of events in the 
past, in many of which he was an actor, was a priceless legacy to the 
Editorial Supervisor of this work. His untimely death was much de- 
plored. Elder I. J. Rosenberger, while the most aged member of the 
committee, through his wide experiences as an evangelist and much 
travel, had sources of information that proved a valuable asset. Elder 
L. A. Bookwalter, alert and judicial in counsel, with a remarkable 
memory of events and men, when he gave a summary of a situation his 
logic was convincing and was generally pursued. After Elder B right's 
death, he became the efficient chairman of the committee. 

Elder D. M. Garver, the well-known moderator of several Annual 
Meetings, suffice it to say of him, his wisdom and tact were never 
shown to greater advantage than when the committee received his 
cheerful, cautious counsel in times of perplexity. The writer of this 
preface, though now having approached the fifty-second milestone on 
life's journey, has always felt himself the boy of this committee among 
these venerable men and possibly was regarded as such if the number 
of unsought tasks imposed upon him, in compiling this book be indica- 
tive of that fact. The burden of the work has fallen heavily upon him, 
but it has been regarded as a labor of love. Every source of information 



10 History of the Church of the Brethren 

available, has been used. Old manuscripts, old books and almanacs, 
the Brethren's publications and County histories of the counties in 
which our churches are located, have been consulted. Minutes of our 
Annual and District Conferences as well as the minutes of other meet- 
ings held within the district and local church records have been read. 
Court houses have been visited and their records noted. Cemeteries 
have been invaded and items of interest on monuments tabulated. 

To the many brethren, sisters and others not members, who have 
sent helpful data, we are profoundly grateful. No names can be men- 
tioned because they are so numerous and as most of the material was 
subject to much revision, it was decided to omit all names. 

We also acknowledge our indebtedness to the following books : "A 
History of the German Baptist Brethren in Europe and America," by 
Governor Martin G. Brumbaugh ; ''History of the Church of Brethren 
in Indiana," by Otho Winger; "Some Who Led," by D. L. Miller and 
Galen B. Royer ; "Literary Activity of the Brethren of the Eighteenth 
Century," by J. S. Flory ; "History of the Tunkers and Brethren 
Church," by H. R. Holsinger ; "Two Centuries of the Church of the 
Brethren," "Record of the Faithful," by Howard Miller ; "History of 
the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania," 
by Jerome E. B lough ; "History of the Churches of Northeastern 
Ohio," by T. S. Moherman, and "Thirty-three Years of Missions," by 
Galen B. Royer. Also some of the writings of A. H. Cassel. 

It might seem as though the events of some churches and the lives 
of some individuals are told at greater length than others. This may 
occur not only because of their greater importance, but might be true 
because some churches and individuals responded more freely in fur- 
nishing data than others. Hence, after repeated requests, the work 
could only be done on the material at hand. The same applies to illus- 
trations as well. We have tried to be impartial, but see how our efforts 
might be misinterpreted. Governor M. G. Brumbaugh, of Pennsyl- 
vania, expressed a great truth in beautiful language when he said, "His- 
tory at best is a beggarly gleaner in a field where death has reaped a 
bountiful harvest." This fact has been fully felt. W T hen we entered 
the field of investigation we found death had preceded us and stilled 
forever the lips and hand of many who might have helped. 

Much has been lost through neglect, but we congratulate the churches 
on what has been resurrected from the grave of the past. Brevity of 



of the Southern District of Ohio 1 1 

expression has often been obtained at the expense of beauty of diction 
that the book be not burdensome. Dependent largely on the recollection 
of others we fully comprehend that memory is treacherous and have 
taken extra care to be exact but know mistakes will be found for which 
we beg indulgence of the reader. Sailing on an uncharted sea is always 
dangerous to the mariner, but especially so when no navigator has 
traversed it before. This is keenly realized as this first History of the 
Church of the Brethren of the Southern District of Ohio, is sent forth 
at the beginning of the third century of the Church's existence in 
America, on its voyage of information and love to a patient public, in 
the hope that it may inspire those who read these pages to greater 
achievements in the future for Christ and the Church. 

JESSE O. GARST. 
Dayton, Ohio, November 20, 1920. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Page 
Chapter I. THE EARLY CHURCH 23 

(1) Its Organization and Persecution in Europe 25 

(2) Its Faith and Practice 27 

(3) Its Beginning and Expansion in America 32 

(4) Its Arrival and Establishment in Southern Ohio .... 35 

(5) Its Extent and Growth in Southern Ohio 40 

Chapter II. THE SOUTHERN FIELD GROUP 45 

(1) Stonelick 49 

(2) Brush Creek (Ridge) 53 

(3) Strait Creek Valley 57 

(4) May Hill 59 

(5) Marble Furnace 61 

(6) Cassel's Run 63 

(7) Lexington (Fall Creek) 64 

(8) White Oak (Hollowtown) : 68 

Chapter III. THE MILLER-BOWMAN GROUP 73 

(1) Lower Miami 78 

(2) Bear Creek 86 

(3) Lower Stillwater 91 

(4) Trotwood 97 

( 5 ) Ft. McKinley 101 

(6) Wolf Creek 102 

(7) Brookville 107 

(8) Eversole 109 

(9) Beaver Creek 112 

(10) East Dayton 115 

(11) West Dayton 118 

Chapter IV. THE EASTERN GROUP 125 

(1) Donnel's Creek 128 

(2) West Charleston (Hickory Grove) 134 

(3) Casstown (Lost Creek) 139 

(4) Troy 142 

(5) New Carlisle 144 



14 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Page 

(6) Springfield 147 

(7) Rush Creek (Bremen) 150 

(8) Frankfort (Colored) 153 

(9) Circlevnle 156 

(10) Charleston 158 

Chapter V. THE TWIN CREEK GROUP 163 

(1) Twin 166 

(2) Sugar Hill (Lower Twin) 167 

(3) Upper Twin 171 

(4) Price's Creek 175 

(5) Hodgenville 182 

(6) Constance 184 

(7) Cincinnati 187 

(8) Middletown 188 

Chapter VI. THE COVINGTON GROUP 193 

(1) Covington (Stillwater) 196 

(2) Pleasant Hill (Newton) 205 

(3) Harris Creek (Upper Stillwater) 211 

(4) Oakland 216 

(5) Bradford . . . 222 

(6) North Star 224 

(7) Ash Grove 227 

(8) Loramie 228 

(9) Sidney (Mosquito Creek) 230 

Chapter VII. THE CENTRAL GROUP 237 

(1) Salem 240 

(2) Middle District 246 

(3) West Milton 249 

(4) Brush Creek (Ludlow and Painter Creek) 252 

(5) Ludlow (Pitsburg) 259 

(6) Painter Creek 261 

Chapter VIII. THE GREENVILLE CREEK GROUP 265 

(1) Union City (Greenville Creek) 268 

(2) Pleasant Valley 274 

(3) Poplar Grove • 277 



of the Southern District of Ohio 15 

Page 

(4) Greenville 280 

(5) Palestine 283 

(6) Beech Grove 286 

Chapter IX. CHURCH ACTIVITIES 291 

' (1) The Sunday-School Work 293 

(2) The Christian Workers' Society 295 

(3) The Charity Work 297 

(4) The Home Mission Work 304 

(5) The Foreign Mission Work 309 

(6) The Book and Tract Work 312 

(7) The Ministerial Work 313 

(8) The Educational Work 318 

(9) The Temperance Work : 321 

(10) The Peace Work 323 

Chapter X. SPECIAL MEETINGS 327 

(1) The Assembly 329 

(2) The Institute 333 

(3) The District Meeting ' 335 

(4) The Annual Meeting ' 341 

Chapter XL DIVISIONS 347 

(1) The Christian Brethren (Landisites) 349 

(2) The Old German Baptist Brethren (Old Orders) ... .350 

(3) The Brethren (Progressives) 354 

Chapter XII. BIOGRAPHIES 361 

Index 599 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page 

Arlington Church 238 

Bagwell, E. B. and Wife 364 

Baker, Henry 365 

Baker, C. A 305 

Barnhart, William W 368 

Barnhart, Josephus E. and Wife .369 

Bashore, Jacob G 305 

Bear Creek Church (Old House) 88 

Bear Creek Church (New House) 88 

Beaver Creek Church 113 

Beeghly, John W. and Wife 371 

Beery, P. H. and Wife 372 

Berkebile, D. G. and Wife 375 

Binkley, Newton W. and Wife 376 

Blessing, S, A 377 

Blocher, Samuel W. and Wife 378 

Blocher, Ira G. and Wife 379 

Bock, Samuel 122 

Bookwalter, Levi A. and Wife 382 

Bookwalter, Sylvan and Wife 384 

Bowman, John J 387 

Brethren Home and Orphanage 296 

Bright, Isaac and Wife 389 

Bright, John Calvin and Wife 392 

Bright, J. Homer and Wife 332 

Bright, Hamilton G 298 

Brookville Church 108 

Brubaker, Dr. O. G. and Wife 262 

Brubaker, Aaron 397 

Brumbaugh, David 399 

Brumbaugh, John H. and Wife 402 

Brumbaugh, Jesse K. and Wife 403 

Brumbaugh, Elmer and Wife 405 

Calvert, William 409 

Calvert, W. Quinter 410 

Cassel's Run Church 62 



of the Southern District of Ohio 17 

Page 

Casstown Church 141 

Charlestown Church .159 

Christian, John H. and Wife 412 

Cincinnati Church 186 

•Cincinnati Parsonage 186 

Circleville Church 157 

Conover, Norman Alvin and Wife 414 

Coppock, Samuel and Wife 415 

Coppock, Jacob and Wife 417 

Cottrell, Dr. A. R. and Wife 288 

Covington Church 202 

Coy Aaron and Wife 420 

Custer, Isaiah and Wife 424 

Darst, John and Wife 425 

Davidson, Ross C 427 

Davy, Henry Dorsey 342 

Dolby, Mattie Cunningham (Colored) . . 431 

Donnel's Creek Church (Old and New) 126 

Dredge, David S. and Wife • 433 

East Dayton Church 116 

Eby, Josiah, Wife and Daughter Anna 435 

Eidemiller J. Howard and Wife 436 

Eikenberry," John 190 

Erbaugh, George and Wife 439 

Erbaugh, S. A 332 

Eversole Church (Old House) Ill 

Eversole Church (New House) 110 

Fidler, John W. and Wife 441 

Filbrun, David S. and Wife 443 

Filbrun, Parker M 444 

Flora, J. C. and Wife 445 

Flory, Charles L. and Wife '. 448 

Flory, George W. and Wife 449 

Frantz, Henry and Wife 453 

Frantz, Isaac 234 

Ft. McKinley (Old House) '. .100 

Ft. McKinley (New House) 100 

Funderburg, Cyrus and Wife 456 



18 History of the Church of the Brethren 



Page 

Funderburg, Drue D 457 

Funderburg, Edward C 305 

Garber, Jacob and Wife 348 

Garst, Jesse O. and Wife 460 

Garver, Daniel M. and Wife 463 

Georgetown Church 254 

Gilbert, Silas and Wife 464 

Gilbert, Julia A 465 

Gratis Church 174 

Grave of Jacob Miller 74 

Greenville Church 282 

Gump, Henry 468 

Gump, Lydia Studebaker 469 

Gump, John B. and Wife 470 

Harris Creek Church 213 

Hay Homestead, Old 328 

Hay Home, Interior 349 

Heckman, B. F. and Wife 288 

Heisey, Walter Jeremiah and Wife 262 

Hepner, Jacob A 122 

Hickory Grove Church (Old House) 135 

Historical Committee (Frontispiece) 2 

Holler, George 475 

Hollinger, Moses 287 

Hollinger, Jeremiah 301 

Hollinger, David and Wife 478 

Hoover, Samuel W. and Wife 480 

Horning, Jonas 483 

Horning, Samuel and Wife 484 

Hyer, Enoch and Wife . 485 

lnman, Jesse Calvert and Wife 486 

Jordan Church 276 

Katherman, Jeremiah and Wife 488 

Keen, Jacob 490 

Keller, D. H. and Wife 491 

Kinsey, Jesse and Wife 492 

Klepinger, William 494 

Klepinger, Alfred L 495 



of the Southern District of Ohio 19 

Page 

Kindell, Eva 496 

Knoepfle, Charles and Wife 185 

Kreider, Tobias and Wife 497 

Kreider, Lawrence and Wife 498 

Leatherman, David and Wife 500 

Leatherman, Roland N. and Wife 501 

Lexington Church 65 

Longanecker, Joseph and Henry C. (Twins) 502 

Log Cabin, Home of Daniel Miller 36 

Lost Creek Church (Old House) 140 

Lower Miami Church 80 

Lower Stillwater Church 92 

Ludlow Church (Pitsburg) 258 

Manchester College, Indiana 320 

Major, Sarah Righter 505 

Marble Furnace Church 61 

May Hill Church 60 

May, James (Colored) 506 

Middle District Church .' 247 

Middletown 189 

Miller, Samuel and Wife 510 

Miller, B. F 344 

Miller, Hugh and Wife 513 

Miller, Mina H. Bosserman 514 

Miller, A. B 298 

Minnich, Adam 344 

Minnich, Granville W. and Wife 517 

Minnich, David and Wife 518 

Minnich, William and Wife 519 

Minnich, Levi and Wife 521 

Mohler, George and Wife 523 

Mote, Harvey and Wife 524 

Nead, Peter and Wife 42 

Neher, Abraham and Wife 529 

New Carlisle Church 146 

Noffsinger, W. P. and Wife 531 

Noffsinger, Jesse 532 

Noffsinger, John S. 533 



20 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Page 

Oakland Church 220 

Oberholtzer, I. E. and Wife 310 

Ockerman, David Allen and Wife 535 

Painter Creek Church 260 

Palestine Church 285 

Pfeifer, Adam 292 

Petry, Michael and Wife 540 

Petry, Stephen S 540 

Petry, Benjamin F . 540 

Petry, Cornelius C 540 

Petry, Elmer S 540 

Petry, Harry H 540 

Petry, Chester H 540 

Pittenger, John M. and Wife 234 

Pleasant Valley Church 274 

Pleasant Hill Church 208 

Poplar Grove Church 278 

Porter, Samuel E. and Wife 542 

Price's Creek Church 176 

Priser, David F 544 

Quinter, James and Wife 546 

Ridge Church (Brush Creek) 55 

Robinson, John A 548 

Robinson, Nora (Minnich) 549 

Rosenberger, I. J. and Wife 551 

Rosenberger, Dr. A. S. and Wife 553 

Royer, Samuel D 554 

Royer, William and Wife 555 

Royer, Oliver • 160 

Rush Creek Church (Bremen) 151 

Salem Church 242 

Sandy, Jacob D. and Wife 558 

Showalter, J. Henry 561 

Sidney Church and Parsonage 232 

Simmons, William K. and Wife 562 

Smith, John 356 

Smith, Margaret Garver 564 

Smith, Samuel Z. and Wife 565 



of the Southern District of Ohio 21 



Page 

Snell, Samuel and Wife 568 

Sollenberger, John W. and Wife 569 

Sollenberger, O. C. and Wife 310 

Springfield Church 148 

Stauffer, Frederic 572 

Stauf f er, Elias 305 

Stonelick Church 46 

Stover, John M. and Wife 574 

Strait Creek Valley Church 58 

Studebaker, Isaac and Wife 576 

Studebaker, S. F 301 

Stump, George C. and Wife 578 

Stutsman, Jesse 358 

Sugar Grove Church 194 

Sugar Hill Church 164 

Tippy, Samuel and Wife 581 

Tom's Run Church 168 

Trotwood Church , 98 

Troy Church 143 

Union City Church (Country House) 266 

Union City Church (City House) 273 

Warner, D. F 582 

Weimer, Abraham 298 

Wenrick, Thomas B. and Wife 587 

West, Landon 589 

West Charleston Church . .' 138 

West Dayton Church 121 

West Milton Church 250 

Wheatville Church (Upper Twin) 172 

White Oak (Hollowtown) 70 

Wine, D. D. and Wife 590 

Wolf Creek Church (Old Central House) 104 

Wright, Van B. and Wife 593 

Younce, Philip 41 

Younce, Abraham 595 

Yount, Oliver F 596 

Yount, Oran S. and Wife 597 

Zumbrun, Levi 301 



m m m m m m m 

(Jx°. (.<%>) 1<*?J (vJ ( °*> i ( °x° ) Iqp; 



CHAPTER I 



The Early Church 






"Once more I stand by the church in the zvildwood, 
Once more I wait at its wide open door, 
Hearing the songs I loved in my childhood, 

Thinking of those who have gone on before; 
Here in the valley near to the wildzvood, 

Bravely they wrought, and nobly they zvon, 
Nozv they are sleeping, quietly sleeping, 
Fathers and mothers, sisters and sons." 

W. S. Pitts. 



mmmw 



a) 

Its Organization and Persecution in Europe 

THE outgrowth of the great Luther Reformation left Europe in 
the throes of religious controversy. From the intolerant doc- 
trines of Catholicism, men's minds ran the range of all creeds 
and doctrines to utter abrogation of the same. At about the close of the 
seventeenth and the beginning of the eighteenth centuries, a desire to 
come closer to the fundamental teachings of the scriptures seems to 
have stirred all denominations. Besides attending their churches on 
Sunday, these awakened souls held meetings of their own, for their 
own spiritual edification. This was a natural result of the chaotic con- 
dition of religious bewilderment then existing. 

Because of the lack of spirituality, and cold formality of the State 
Church of their time, many withdrew from its communion, and were 
called Separists and Pietists. They were probably named Separists be- 
cause of their separation in belief from the Protestant Churches, and 
Pietists because they sought to revive declining piety in these same 
churches. Their withdrawal was a protest against departures from the 
usages and practices of the Apostolic Church. Among them were many 
earnest, zealous men of fine education, whose names have become, his- 
toric, and whose conscience could not be lulled to sleep by the prevail- 
ing errors of the religious system of their day. Of this type of men, in 
whom our interest centers, was Alexander Mack. Not only on account 
of his splendid leadership and his conscientious search of the scrip- 
ture for its forgotten truths, but because of his earnest efforts in the 
re-establishment of primitive Christianity, and as a first elder and 
preacher of a church that has since never faltered to proclaim the 
teaching he emphasized, to all the world. 

The Pietists in the meanwhile, began to promulgate their various 
beliefs to the extent that it soon attracted the attention of the leaders of 
the Catholic and Protestant churches, in their respective localities. 



26 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Germany, which had become the center of this religious agitation, 
through her embittered clergy, employed the secular authorities to im- 
pose fines and imprisonment to such an extent that emigration became 
necessary. Providence seems to have opened an asylum in the province 
of Wittgenstein in northern Prussia. Here a very mild count ruled and 
several pious countesses dwelt, and although the country was poor and 
rough, it became the rendezvous of many who sought religious free- 
dom. These circumstances led many to study and seek primitive Chris- 
tianity. Finally, in the year 1708, eight of the most truth-loving souls 
covenanted together to follow the Lord in all His appointed ways. 
These eight persons were George Grebi from Hesse Cassel, Lucas Vet- 
ter from the same place, Alexander Mack from Schriesheim and his 
wife, Margaretta, Andrew Bony from Basle, Switzerland, and his wife, 
Johanna, and John Kipping from Bareit, Wurtenburg, and his wife, Jo- 
hanna. And as eight souls under a former dispensation, found refuge 
in the ark from the devastating waters of the flood, becoming the pro- 
genitors of a new race, so this same sacred number of brethren and 
sisters seeking safety from the encroaching evils of the age, became the 
nucleus of a church of Christian believers that is still seeking to es- 
tablish primitive Christianity in all the world. 

In this humble manner started this new organization. It is said that 
previous to 1836, no name was recognized among them, legally or 
otherwise, except that of "Brethren." At the Annual Conference of 
1836, the name, "The Fraternity of German Baptists," was adopted. 
This continued until 1871 when the title was modified to "The Ger- 
man Baptist Brethren." The church having outgrown its Germanic ex- 
traction, this appellation was considered for some years a misnomer, so 
at the Conference of .1908, its present legal name, the "Church of the 
Brethren," was adopted and is eminently satisfactory to all. To the out- 
side world in the past, it has best been known as "Dunker" or "Dun- 
kard," a vulgarism of "Tunker," given to them because of their belief 
in immersion. 

The church at present, has a membership of one hundred thousand, 
ten colleges, a great publishing plant at Elgin, Illinois, its chief publica- 
tion being the "Gospel Messenger," and a Missionary Board equipped 
with a great endowment, all in America, while missions and schools of 
this church are found in different places in Europe and Asia. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 27 

It is interesting to note that the eight members of the infant church 
desiring to be baptized, (as their investigation of the Scripture and 
history taught them a threefold immersion) first after prayer and fast- 
ing, selected one of their number to baptize Alexander Mack, their lead- 
er, after which he in turn baptized all the others. The baptism took 
place in the little stream, Eder. Alexander Mack became the first min- 
ister and in a few years a strong church was established in Schwar- 
zenau, besides numerous branches in the Palatinate, but persecutions 
began and many of the members fled first to Marienborn, then to Crey- 
felt, where for a time they found liberty under the king of Prussia. 
Again persecutions began and many fled from Creyfelt to Holland and 
the province of West Friesland. 

Here again they were disappointed in finding an asylum of peace 
and safety, so that now they turned their faces to the land of Penn, 
on the peaceful shores of America, where they hoped to find the liberty 
of conscience denied them in the Old World. In choosing Pennsylvania 
as the promised land, the choice was probably influenced by the kind 
offer of William Penn. 

Alexander Mack, on one of his preaching tours which led him into 
Holland, met and formed the acquaintance of this great man. Penn was 
much interested in his colony in the New World and invited the 
Brethren to settle in Pennsylvania, and as they were then being sorely 
persecuted, the offer was soon gratefully accepted. Now that the hard 
harassed little church is about to be transplanted to American soil, let 
us pause a moment on its onward chronicle, and examine briefly the 
tenets of its faith. 



m m m m m m m 

( exo ) I tip) I vr> ) I cvo ) I c*> ' [ Cjp 1 ( qpj 

(2) 

Its Faith and Practice 

DURING a revival meeting held some years ago in one of the 
churches of Southern Ohio, a lady who had listened to the evan- 
gelist's discourse, asked him after the meeting to give her a copy 
of the church's creed for her perusal and meditation. He kindly 



28 History of the Church of the Brethren 



consented to do so, and procuring a New Testament, handed it to her, 
saying, "My dear lady, this is our creed." This kind of an answer to the 
inquiring reader, however true, would probably be unsatisfactory, so a 
brief synopsis of the more emphasized things for which the Church of 
the Brethren stands is appended. 

The church has no creed, unless the New Testament be called 
such. The eight devout persons who constituted the infant church, had, 
prior to its organization, mutually agreed to lay aside all existing 
prejudices and confessions of faith, to search the Word of the Lord 
carefully, and to follow a literal observance of it, wherever the scrip- 
ture would seem to so indicate, and having found the truth, to pursue 
it wherever it might lead them. This was done and the Church of the 
Brethren is the result. 

The Brethren have never claimed Alexander Mack as the founder 
of the church but as one who helped to re-establish the practices of 
primitive Christianity in the world. From the most early decline of 
these practices following the Apostolic period, they believe God had on 
the earth somewhere, a people who were exponents of the true faith. 
H. R. Holsinger says, "we do claim for the Tunker Church that all her 
sacred peculiar doctrines and practices may be traced all along the 
historical highway from Christ and His Apostles, down to the organi- 
zation at Schwarzenau, in A. D. 1708. At times and in places, the road 
abounds in rich findings of important data of the doings of the dev- 
otees of the religion of the Master and at other points, it is almost 
destitute of any well-beaten landmarks to indicate the travels of the 
fathers, by even the waysides." 

Among the different sects of an early day in line of succession, he 
mentions the Waldenses, in which people, he claims to have found "the 
most complete anti-type of the Tunkers." Another authority says "If 
we will believe the testimony of the suffering Waldenses themselves, 
their doctrine and discipline has been preserved in all its purity and 
efficacy, from the days of the primitive martyrs in Spain, France, 
Germany, Italy, and especially in the valleys of the Piedmont." The 
above historical references have been given to show that God in all 
ages has had a people in whom he is careful to preserve the true wor- 
ship. But to proceed. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 29 

(a). The Brethren believe Jesus Christ to be the founder of the 
true church. ("Upon this rock I will build my church." Matt. 16:18. 
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Heb. 12:2.) 

(b). They recognize the Bible as divinely inspired. ("All scripture 
is given by inspiration of God." II Tim. 3:16. "But holy men of God 
spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." II Pet. 1:21.) 

(c). They believe in the Trinity, the divinity of Christ and of the 
Holy Ghost. ("God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake 
in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days 
spoken unto us by his Son." Heb. 1 :1, 2. "I will pray the Father and he 
shall give you another Comforter." John 14:16.) 

(d). They accept the New Testament as their rule of faith and 
practice, obeying the teaching and commandments of Jesus and his 
Apostles. ("Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have 
commanded you." Matt. 28 :20. "And they continued steadfastly in 
the Apostles' doctrine.''' Acts 2:42.) 

(e). They regard faith, repentance and confession in connection 
with baptism, as conditions of pardon, all these together constituting 
evangelical conversion. ("He that believeth and is baptized shall be 
saved." Mark 16:16. "Repent ye and be baptized every one of you." 
Acts, 2:38. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and 
believe with thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou 
shalt be saved." Rom. 10:9.) 

(f). They believe in the vicarious Atonement of Christ, and all who 
die in infancy before they can exercise faith and comprehend the con- 
ditions of pardon, are saved. ("Who his own self bare our sins in his 
own body on the tree." I Pet. 2:24.) Hence do not baptize infants. 

(g). They understand the design of baptism is for the remission of 
sins, the initiatory rite into Christian fellowship and the added promise 
of the gift of the Holy Ghost. ("Repent and be baptized every one of 
you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38. "For as many of you 
as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Gal. 3:27.) As 
lo the mode, the Greek word, "baptizo" meaning to dip repeatedly, is 
a frequentive verb, requiring repeated action the context in the 
formula demanding a three-fold; immersion. ("In the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Math. 28:19.) A few 
corroborating scriptures are given as additional testimony. It is per- 



30 History of the Church of the Brethren 

formed in the water. ("And they went down into the water, both 
Philip and the eunich, and he baptized him." Acts 8:38.) Dipping face 
forward ("For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his 
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Rom. 6:5. 
"And he bowed his head and gave up the ghost. John, 19:30.) Com- 
pletely submerging the body ("Buried with him in baptism." Col. 
2:12). 

(h). They engage in the sacred rite of Feetwashing prior to the 
Lord's Supper. ("Ye also ought to wash one another's feet." John 
13:14. "If she have washed the saints' feet." I Tim. 5:10.) 

(i). They regard the Lord's Supper as a sacred meal, eaten in the 
evening.. ("As they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, 
One of you shall betray me." Mark 14:18. "He then having received 
the sop went immediately out and it was night." John 13:30.) This 
supper was eaten the evening before the Jewish Passover began. 
("Now before the feast of the passover." John 13:1 also 18:28 and 
19:14,31, 42.) 

(j). They observe the Communion, i. e. the bread and cup, after 
supper. ("As they did eat, Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake 
it, and gave J .o them, and said, Take, eat, this is my body." Mark 14 :22. 
"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, say- 
ing, This cup is the new testament in my blood." I Cor. 11 :25.) 

(k). They greet one another with a holy kiss. ("Greet all the 
brethren with a holy kiss." I Thess. 5:26. Also Rom. 16:16; I Cor. 
16:20; II Cor. 13:12; I Pet. 5:14.) 

[1). They labor for nonconformity to the world in its vain and 
wicked customs, and advocate simplicity in dress and living. ("Love 
not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the 
world the love of the Father is not in him." I John 2:15. "In like man- 
ner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame- 
facedness and sobriety, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls or 
costly array; but [which becometh women professing godliness j with 
good works." I Tim. 2:9, 10. Also Rom. 12:2; I Pet. 3:3; Math. 6:25, 
33.) 

(m). They teach according to Paul for the man to have his head 
uncovered and the woman to have her head vei 1 ed in time of praver 
and prophesying. ("Every man praying or prophesying, having his 
head covered, dishonoureth his head, but every woman praying or 



of the Southern District of Ohio 31 

prophesying with her head unveiled, dishonoured! her head." R. V. 
I Cor. 11:4, 5.) 

(n). They advocate non-swearing. ("Swear not, neither by heaven, 
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath." Jas. 5 :12. Also Matt. 
5:33-37.) Non-lawing. ("Now therefore there is utterly a fault among 
you because ye go to law with one another." I Cor. 6 :7. See Matt. 
18:15, 17.) Non-secretism. ("Be not unequally yoked together with 
unbelievers." II Cor. 6:14; also John 18:20; Eph. 5:11, 12; Jas. 5:12.) 
Non-warring. ("My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were 
of this world, then would my servants fight." John 18:36; also Matt. 
26:52; Matt. 5:44; Rom. 12:19-21. 

(o). They anoint and lay hands on the sick. ("Is any sick among 
you ? let him call for the elders of the church ; and let them pray over 
him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." Jas. 5:14, 15; 
also Mark, 6:13. 

(p). They emphasize love. ("By this shall all men know that ye are 
my disciples." John 13:35.) Faith and Works. ("Faith without works 
is dead." Jas. 2:20.) Prayer. ("Pray without ceasing." I Thess. 5:17.) 

(q). They advocate Missions. ("Go ye into all the world and preach 
the gospel to every creature." Mark. 16:15.) Giving. ("Lay up for 
yourselves treasures in heaven." Matt. 6:20.) Education and Chris- 
tian Culture. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God." II Tim. 
2:15. "Give attendance to reading." I Tim. 4:13.) 

(r), The Brethren have an unbroken record against the sin of in- 
temperance and in their lives aim to exemplify all the Christian graces. 
("Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to know- 
edge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godli- 
ness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness 
charity." II Pet. 1 :5, 6, 7. 

(s). They seek in fact, to proclaim to the whole world all the pre- 
cepts and practices of the Apostolic Church. ("Earnestly contend for 
the faith, which was once delivered to the saints." Jude 3.) 



32 History of the Church of the Brethren 

as as as as as as as 

(3) 
Its Beginning and Expansion in America 

PREFERRING the primeval privations of a new country, to a con- 
tinuation oi the bitter persecutions of the Old World, twenty 
families of members under the leadership of Peter Becker, a 
minister at Creyfelt, decided to emigrate to the New World. Peter 
Becker is said to have been a man of quiet demeanor, not eloquent as a 
preacher, but fervent in prayer and a sweet singer. After a rough and 
stormy voyage on a large Flemish vessel the little company landed at 
Philadelphia in the autumn of 1719, and at once became much scattered 
in their hunt for homes, though a number with their leader, settled in 
the vicinity of Germantown, near Philadelphia. A state of church in- 
activity ensued for three years, probably caused by their different loca- 
tions and some dissensions among them which had arisen on board the 
ship coming over. This lethargy did not appeal to Peter Becker, who 
with two others in the fall of 1722, visited most of the members in their 
homes, having prayer and worship with them. 

This first Home Mission work done in America, culminated the 
next year, December 25, 1723, in the organization of the first church 
at Germantown. The new congregation consisted of twenty-three mem- 
bers, six of whom had been baptized that same morning by Peter Beck- 
er in Wissahickon Creek. These six were Martin Urner and wife, Henry 
Landis and wife, Frederick Lang and John Mayle. In the evening a 
lovefeast was held, closing the most remarkable epochal Christmas day 
in the history of the church in this country, it being the date of the 
first baptism, the first love feast, and the organization of the first 
Tunker Church in America. The rest in Europe endured persecutions 
six years longer when thirty families, (some say fifty-nine families 
altogether) with Alexander Mack at their head, came over in the good 
ship, "Allen," and after a tempestuous voyage of seventy-one days, land- 
ed safely at Philadelphia, September 15, 1729. Elder Mack now took 
charge of affairs but died in 1735, aged fifty-six years. The Brethren 



of the Southern District of Ohio 33 



progressed so rapidly now that Christopher Sower soon published the 
first religious paper, and the first Bible (1743) that was printed in 
America. 

From Germantown, as the Mother Church in America, was dis- 
seminated the doctrine of the Brethren largely by emigration, until 
many local congregations were established in Pennsylvania, New Jer- 
sey, Virginia, Maryland and as far south as the Carolinas. It would be 
interesting to follow the growth and development of the church in 
Pennsylvania and Virginia, but this field has been ably and extensively 
covered by other historians. Hence but a few main connecting links are 
mentioned, extending from the time of the church's organization in 
Europe until now that we might the more quickly trace the church to 
its final destination in the Southern District of Ohio, of which this 
book especially purports to be a history. 

It might be wondered why Southern Ohio with its fertile soil was 
not dotted with churches earlier than it was. A slight knowledge of 
early Ohio history, coupled with an understanding of the Indian 
problem, which the settler had to face, will clear up the situation. The 
French were the first explorers here, LaSalle's discoveries dating from 
1679. Both France and England claimed this territory until 1763, when 
by the Treaty of Paris it came under the dominion of the latter. Eng- 
land retained nominal possession of it until 1783, when it was ceded 
to the United States. In 1787, Congress passed the ordinance creating 
the Xorth West Territory, the first commonwealth in the world whose 
organic law recognized every man as free and equal. The first per- 
manent settlement under the ordinance was made at Marietta in 1788. 
Until 1800 Ohio was included in the Xorth West Territory, at which 
time it was erected into a separate territory and, in 1802, was admitted 
as a State into the Union. Rapid progress in the settlement of South 
Western Ohio did not begin until about the year 1795, because of the 
undisguised hostilities of the Indians. Prior to this, immigration was 
held in abeyance by these dusky- faced warriors of the forest. Few 
white men had inclination to go themselves, and much less to take their 
families into a land where the tomahawk and scalping knife were so 
much in evidence. 

There were three principal Indian tribes in South Western Ohio. 
These were the Miamis, the Shawnees and the Mingoes. The Miamis 
occupied the valleys and country between the Great and Little Miami 



34 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Rivers, to which they gave their name. The Shawnees were most nu- 
merous around the Scioto bottoms, and afterwards in the Miami val- 
leys, and were the strongest and truest allies of the Miamis. The Min- 
goes were found along 'the Ohio river. Hunting parties of Wyandots 
and Delawares often penetrated this region. The Miamis and Shaw- 
nees were the finest physical specimens of the Indian race, unexcelled 
in bravery, and implacable enemies to the whites. It was in their terri- 
tory the Brethren largely settled. The Government sent numerous ex- 
peditions against them which were doomed to speedy failure. The last 
ill-fated expedition which resulted thus, was commanded by General Ar- 
thur St. Clair, who in 1791, met the Indians commanded by their great 
strategic chieftain, "Little Turtle," of the Miamis, at a place where Ft. 
Recovery was afterward built, near the south line of Mercer County. 
It resulted in a crushing defeat in which half of the men were either 
killed or wounded, the rest fleeing in disastrous rout. The result was 
an unprotected frontier at the mercy of a victorious and infuriated 
savage. 

This supremacy did not last long, however, for in the battle of the 
Maumee in 1794 General Anthony Wayne administered such awful 
chastisement, that the Red Men were glad to sue for peace, and at the 
treaty made at Ft. Greenville in the summer of 1795, relinquished for- 
ever their broad domain which had been their hunting ground for cen- 
turies. The Indian from that time on, was in a state of distrustful but 
impotent hostility. Trouble with them in Southern Ohio, did, later on, 
sometimes occur, but it was mostly local in character. It is true that 
Tecumseh, the great chieftain of the Shawnees, attempted a great up- 
rising as late as 1811, but this occurred mostly on Indiana soil, and was 
there fought to a fatal finish for his people. Those who had taken part 
in these Indian Wars, on their return to the East, gave glowing ac- 
counts of the wonderful richness of the Ohio soil, and now that the ter- 
ror inspired by the Indians was largely dissipated, the tide of emigra- 
tion began to flow with ever increasing rapidity into the great Ohio 
wilderness. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 35 



W ffi ffi ffi ?& MS 

(4) 



Its Arrival and Establishment in Southern 

Ohio 

THE Allegheny Mountains were now crossed by the hardy pio- 
neers, some of whom were members of the church. The Ohio 
Country was invaded by these stalwart brethren, coming in 
flat-boats down the Ohio, or across the country in the ox-cart, horse- 
back, the great Conestoga wagon stage coach, or even afoot. They be- 
came established near O'Bannon Creek and Brush Creek in the south, 
and also further north in the vicinity of the Miami River and its tribu- 
taries, Possum Creek, Donnel's Creek, Beaver Creek, Bear Creek, Wolf 
Creek, Stillwater and Twin Creek in the first decade of the nineteenth 
century, and Greenville Creek, Price's Creek, "Ludlow and Painter 
Creek in the second and third decades. 

Most of Southern Ohio then was an unbroken forest, but these 
hardy settlers cut their way through the woods in the face of all obsta- 
cles such as the often undisguised hostility of the Indians, and the 
prowling beast of the wild, watching for its prey. A more specific 
description of the home life enjoyed by the pioneer Brethren, might 
not be amiss just now, as the customs of these days are being fast 
forgotten. The home of the settler was invariably the log cabin, the 
building of which became his first duty. Sometimes he came before he 
brought his family, and had the cabin ready for their reception, but 
more often, the family camped out, lodged in the wagon, or lived in 
the home of the nearest neighbor until the structure was reared. 

The building itself was constructed from logs notched at the ends 
in such a way that the top log would lie fairly on the one underneath. 
The crevices between the logs were filled with chips of wood and mud 
mortar. The chimney was generally built on the outside of the cabin, 
at the base of which, a huge opening was cut in the wall. In rare cases 
it was made of stone but generally O'f logs and sticks, which were 
protected from the fire by clay mortar. For the back and jambs of the 



36 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





o 

£ 
o 

X 

U 

w> 
o 



of the Southern District of Ohio 37 

fire-place, flat stones were secured. Huge logs were burned in those old 
fashioned fire-places and the fuel problem did not perplex the early 
settler. The roof of the cabin was composed of clapboards split from 
oak or ash logs and made as smooth and flat as possible. The clap- 
boards were made from straight grained timber, and were kept in place 
by long heavy poles laid on the courses. 

The floor was constructed of puncheons, that is, split logs with the 
upper surface hewed. In some cabin homes, the earth itself was the only 
floor. In those days carpets would have been regarded as an unneces- 
sary luxury. That the carpet question, however, rapidly came to the 
front in the Brotherhood, is shown by the Annual Conference decision 
of 1827, to the query, "How is it to be considered to lay carpets in our 
houses ?" The answer was, "It belongs to the grandeur of this world, 
and will not become a follower of Jesus to garnish his house in this 
manner, but he should adorn his house as may be consistent with lowli- 
ness." A little more than half a century later the Conference decided 
that plain carpets might be used. The position of our church fathers 
on this question, as well as some other questions of their day, calls for 
no criticism. To have provided their homes with some of the articles 
almost prohibitory then because of their rarity and cost, but now 
thought to be necessities, would, in their generation, amid their humble 
surroundings, have made them regarded as insincere exponents of the 
simple life. One thing is to be remembered, if these cabin homes were 
not richly furnished, they contained that which was of far more value, 
genuine hospitality. The entrance to the cabin was a clumsily construct- 
ed door, made of heavy boards rived from an oak log, held together by 
heavy cross pieces. There was a wooden latch on the inside raised by 
a string which passed through a gimlet hole and hung on the outside. 
From this mode of construction, originated the well known saying, 
"The latchstring hangs out." It was only pulled in, when danger was 
suspected. 

The wayfaring traveler received a hearty welcome. He was richly 
fed on plain corn bread or pone baked in a kettle in the ashes or upon 
a board before the great open fire-place. A pleasant variety was afford- 
ed to the repast by using the wild fruits of the season and game found 
in the forest. The guestehamber was the overhead loft, which was 
reached by a rudely made ladder. Plenty of ventilation was found in 
these homes, as the window was a small opening devoid often of sash 



38 History of the Church of the Brethren 

or glass, but with a lattice of wood over which was spread greased 
paper. More often an old garment filled this space, being the only pro- 
tection against rain, snow, or too much sunlight. The long winter even- 
ings were spent in the light of the great log fire in knitting, mending 
garments, curing furs, or poring over the three indispensable books, 
the Bible, the hymn book, and the almanac, if one could be secured. 

The young people of this early period, had their occasions of social 
amusement. It, however, combined play with work. Society then 
acknowledged no autocracy. Physical manhood and integrity were 
placed above fine clothing and the supercilious air. There wen? no 
select crowds and social bickerings. Some, doubtless, had the love of 
dress, but were deprived of the means of gratifying it. Fashion may 
have had its votaries, but its exactions were not severe and the changes 
infrequent. The wearer of a calico dress did not excuse herself from a 
social gathering, by saying she had nothing to wear, but wore her 
homespun frock, and looked no less attractive than those clad in finer 
fabric. 

The log rollings, corn huskings, quillings, apple cuttings and spin- 
ning frolics were enjoyed by all. Men, women and children coming as 
far as twenty miles. The one enjoyed the most was the spinning bee, 
as this required some preparation of the flax, and the pleasure was 
anticipated for some days before. A very agreeable duty to the boys at 
least, was the carrying to and from the party, the spinning wheel of the 
girls, who went along at the same time presumably, to see that it was 
not damaged in transportation. These occasions threw the young people 
together, attachments were soon formed and early marriages consum- 
mated. The families of those days were large and the children, because 
of their outdoor life, were generally the picture of health. The doctors 
in the community were few, and each family attempted to dispense with 
his services, by gathering in season certain herbs, such as catnip, sage, 
tansy, fennel, boneset, pennyroyal, wormwood, etc., and laying them 
away in the loft for the time of need. This seemed to be sufficient for 
their common ills. 

As meeting houses were not yet in evidence, services in turn were 
held at private homes at stated periods, the brother at whose home it 
occurred providing dinner for all and feed for the horses. Afternoon 
services were also often held. Seats were provided for those in attend- 
ance by boring holes in puncheons and driving in two legs at each end. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 39 



These benches were without backs, and for anyone to have had the 
courage to suggest at the time that backs be made for them, would have 
been thought to have shown a worldly, selfish spirit unworthy of the 
heroic age in which he lived. Here they sat for hours at a time, listen- 
ing with unabated interest to the preacher's message. Sometimes when 
there were several preachers present, all used the liberty. Clocks were 
few and the congregation knew when the noon hour had arrived by ob- 
serving the shadow of the sun reaching a certain mark, cut on the door 
or window sill. Owing to this, on cloudy Sundays, the discourses were 
apt to be of unusual length, to which no one ever objected. One thing 
only seemed to mar the almost perfect picture of these bygone meet- 
ings. Ohio is in the tobacco belt, and many of the members did not 
look upon tobacco with the same degree of detestation, that the church 
at large does now. Many of the early brethren while not prolific raisers 
of the weed, were proficient users of the same. Some who were much 
addicted to the habit, sometimes made themselves rather conspicious by 
its use. 

When prayer was offered, not only the more devout members but 
usually all present knelt. The prayer was long and, fervent. The preach- 
er in delivering his sermon, used no manuscript, and usually no notes. 
Whatever the minister may have thought in regard to his preparation 
for the service, the congregation commonly believed that the preacher, 
being called of God to preach the Word, would be endowed with power 
from on high, and the inspiration he should receive, would be all-suf- 
ficient for the hour. Because of the scarcity of hymn books, the minis- 
ter "lined" the hymn, reciting a stanza, or two lines, alternately with 
the singing. Some good deacon generally "started" the hymn, and the 
singing was altogether congregational. About the only night meetings 
held were those on lovefeast occasions. The great difficulty was to have 
sufficient light. Tallow candles, the ordinary "dip" of the time was 
the only means of illumination. In order that the candles might continue 
to give forth light, it became somebody's duty to make the rounds to 
"snuff" the wicks of the dimly burning lights. The family altar 
was erected in most homes of the Brethren and as many of these altars 
were now being used as congregational altars, the need of the erection 
of a church house was plainly indicated, which was done in most cases. 



40 History of the Church of the Brethren 



m m m m m m w 

(jg j (jxL) -qpi Up/ Iggj LaeJ L aeJ 

(5) 
Its Extent and Growth in Southern Ohio 

SOUTHERN Ohio included then as it does now the picturesque hill 
counties of the south, embracing the Miami Valley, ever re- 
nowned for its fertility and beauty then in its virgin loveliness. 
It contained within its wide borders these scattered Brethren homes 
whose inmates worshipped God and were happy, and in their isolation 
practiced and lived the simple life to an extent now almost unknown. 
Churches were now established, congregational lines were drawn, and 
the history of the Church of the Brethren in Southern Ohio began. 
This expansion continued to develop until it became organized in a 
State District in 1858 known as the Southern District of Ohio. For 
many years the boundary line between Southern Ohio and the adjoin- 
ing State Districts, North Western Ohio, North Eastern Ohio and 
Southern Indiana, while in part recognized, were very vague. 

In 1905, by the action of the State District of Southern Ohio and 
North Western Ohio, a line between these two districts was established 
as follows : Beginning at state line in Mercer County, running due east 
to Coldwater (Greenville road), thence north four and one-half miles 
on Greenville road, thence east along Beaver Creek to Celina, thence 
on east to Auglaize County line, thence south on county lines between 
Mercer and Auglaize to Dark County line, thence east through 
Shelby County to west line of Logan County, thence south on said line 
to northeast corner of Miami County, thence on a straight line east 
through Champaign County to west line of Union County, thence south 
to northwest corner of Madison County, thence east on county line 
to west line of Franklin County, thence north to northwest corner of 
Franklin County, thence east on north county line to the west county 
line of Licking County. 

Similar procedure the same year by the District Conference of 
Southern Ohio and North Eastern Ohio resulted in the following line 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



41 



between these two State Districts. Beginning at the northeast corner of 
Franklin County, and following county lines between the following 
counties : Licking, Perry, Morgan and Washington on the east, and 
Franklin, Fairfield, Hocking and Athens on the west to the Ohio 
River. 




Elder Philip Younce. 
One among the truly "first" of the earlier preachers of Southern Ohio. 



In 1914 Southern Ohio and Southern Indiana, through their Dis- 
trict Conferences, authorized the following boundary line between 
their territories : said line to begin at the Ohio River and extend north 
on Ohio and Indiana state line to the northern boundary line of Butler 
County, Ohio, thence five miles east on said boundary line, thence due 
north to West road, thence two miles west on said road to Campbells- 
town road, thence north on said road to a point two and one-half 
miles north of Campbellstown, thence due west to state line, thence 
three and one-half miles north on said state line, thence due west five 



42 History of the Church of the Brethren 

miles, thence due north to the northern boundary line of Southern 
District of Indiana. 

The Southern District of Ohio, as at present understood, comprises 
all of twenty-nine counties and the half of three counties. The Dis- 
trict has a church house or houses in but seventeen of these counties, 
viz. : Adams, Butler, Clarke, Clermont, Darke, Fairfield, Greene, Ham- 
ilton, Highland, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, 




Elder Peter Nead and Wife. 
In his day, he was probably the most loved leader of his people that Southern 

Ohio has ever had. 



Pickaway, Ross, and Shelby, also one across the Ohio River, at 
Constance, Kentucky. The remaining counties without a church house, 
with here and there an isolated member, await future missionary en- 
deavor. Approximately, there are about sixty church houses scattered 
over the district with about two and one-fourth times that number of 
ministers, and a membership of nearly six thousand and five hundred. 
God has given his people in Southern Ohio, a fruitful field for willing 



of the Southern District of Ohio 43 

workers, in which opportunities for expansion are endless. In this 
history, for convenience, the different church histories will be found 
arranged in groups chronologically, (beginning with the earliest. They 
are the Southern Field Group, Miller-Bowman Group, Eastern Group, 
Twin Greek Group, Covington Group, Central Group and Greenville 
Creek Group. 



CHAPTER II. 



The Southern Field Group 



mm mm mm 




Stonelick Church 
The present house of the oldest congregation in Southern Ohio 



mm mm 

CieJ (J>eJ (J>gJ LaeJ 



Introduction 



THE Southern Field Group embraces Adams, Clermont, and 
Highland Counties, Ohio. This country as a whole pre- 
sents a region of hill, dale, plain and stream of harmonious 
variety and most pleasing beauty. Adams County was formed 
in 1797. The first settlement within the Virginia military tract and the 
only one between the Scioto and Little Miami until after the treaty of 
Greenville in 1795, was made in this county at Manchester, by 
Nathaniel Massie. In the upper part of Adams County there rises a 
picturesque little river known as Brush Creek. This creek is created by 
the confluence of tributary streams the chief ones being called East 
Fork, West Fork and Middle Fork. They flow from the direction 
indicated by their names. 

In close proximity to these waters were the homes of many breth- 
ren in the past. Here in Adams County were Marble Furnace, May Hill 
and Cassel's Run Churches. Clermont County was formed in 1800. 
This county is crossed by the Little Miami River. In this county is 
located the Stonelick Church. Highland County was formed in 1805, 
from Adams, Clermont and Ross counties, and so named because of 
the highlands between the Scioto and Little Miami. Ridge, Lexington, 
White Oak and Strait Creek Valley Churches are in this county. 
Briefly, this is the general topography of the county the brethren began 
to work as early as 1795 or before. Much of this early history is myth- 
ical and has been lost in the mazes of oblivion. Thse southern churches 
owed their early origin in part to the fact that the Ohio River afforded 
to the hardy pioneer an easy access to the vast wilderness of the west. 

Prior to 1800, a flourishing little church had been organized in 
Muhlenburg County, Kentucky, by members coming f rom North Caro- 
lina and Virginia. Others came down the Ohio river in flat boats built 
by themselves. Such was the Wolfe family, the father, George Wolfe, 
Sr., a bishop of the church before 1780, in Lancaster County, Pennsyl- 



48 History of the Church of the Brethren 

vania. He crossed the Allegheny mountains in 1787, locating with 
his family in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, near the Monongahela 
River. He is said to have been the first ordained elder locating west 
of the mountains. 

In 1800 he came down the Ohio River with his family and set- 
tled in the vicinity of the Kentucky church. Elder Casper Rolland was 
perhaps the first minister to settle in Kentucky. Elder John Hendricks 
was the second. Other preachers were John Hochstetler and Peter Hon, 
(sometimes spelled Hahn). 

In this history, John Countryman is chronicled as the first 
preacher with any real record in Southern Ohio. Others follow in his 
footsteps so closely however, that the honor is barely won, if won at 
all. These men were David Stouder, (whether a resident or visitor in 
Stonelick Church at time of organization is unknown) and John Gar- 
ver, Sr., also of same church. None of these however became as famous 
as Elder Jacob Miller and David Bowman of the Miami Valley. That 
the pioneer preachers made frequent preaching visits to other Brethren 
settlements is shown by the fact that George Wolfe, Sr., who still lived 
in Kentucky, died at Kaskaskia, Illinois, in 1809 on one of these preach- 
ing tours. Others of these visiting ministers from the east and from 
Kentucky, paid visits to the scattered Brethren settlements in Adams, 
Clermont, and Highland Counties, notably among these was Peter 
Hon. Doubtless other members from the above mentioned early Ken- 
tucky church came and helped to swell the increasing number in these 
southern counties. 

Stonelick Church in this history will be found to be the oldest 
church in Southern Ohio. Brush Creek, White Oak, and Fall Creek 
all had early origins. Brush Creek was later known as the Ridge from 
which came Strait. Creek Valley, Marble Furnace, May Hill, and 
Cassel's Run. From Fall Creek came Twin Valley and Lexington. 

In 1880 this group of churches must have numbered considerably 
over five hundred members. Because of the distance between these 
churches and the Miami Valley churches, deviations in practice oc- 
curred. District Conference sent various committees to assist these 
churches in the past. Through lack of workers, coupled with emigra- 
tion and dissension, these once prosperous churches declined in num- 
ber. Finally, because of this, the District Conference was obliged to 
recognize it as a mission field and put it in charge of the Mission 



of the Southern District of Ohio 49 

Board of Southern Ohio, who at present through Elder Jesse O. Garst 
supervises all these churches with the exception of Stonelick. With 
but one minister, Van B. Wright, giving all his time in this vast ter- 
ritory and three other ministers a part of the time, the work in the 
Southern Field remains a problem. For convenience the churches of 
this group will be considered as follows : Stonelick, Brush Creek 
(Ridge), Strait Creek Valley, May Hill, Marble Furnace, Cassel's Run, 
Lexington (Fall Creek), White Oak (Hollowtown). 



m mm mm mm 

Lsg J lieJ LsgJ (JeJ kssj IsgJ li eJ 
(1) 

Stonelick 

THE Stonelick Church is located in Clermont County. In its early 
history it was called O'Bannon Baptist Church, as a majority 
of its membership lived on that stream, though it had not a 
few on Ten Mile and several in the central part of Warren and Hamil- 
ton counties. O'Bannon Creek received its name from the fact that a 
surveying party headed by John O'Bannon did a lot of surveying in 
that region for the government in November, 1787, amid difficulties 
peculiar to the wintry season and hostile surroundings. To commemo- 
rate this his name was given to the creek on which the brethren later 
located, and so the Brethren organization may have been so called for 
awhile. It is to be remembered however, that the church house is built 
on an entirely different stream called Stonelick. The present church 
edifice, built in 1854, is at least five miles from O'Bannon Creek, show- 
ing that from the building of a church house if not before, its name be- 
came Stonelick. 

The church is said to have been organized in 1795 with fifteen 
members, by an Elder, David Stouder. Further than that he took part 
in the organization, nothing is known of his life. Who assisted him is 
unknown, unless John Countryman of Adams County came across the 
intervening wilderness of more than fifty miles. The early pioneer 
preachers were of a heroic and hardy mould and were not deterred by 



50 History of the Church of the Brethren 

such trifling things as crossing a trackless forest with bridgeless 
streams infested with the wild beast and the more ferocious savage. 
John Garver, Sr., also of whom little is known, was an early resident 
and preacher and probably helped at this first organization, or else 
came soon after. David Bowman is said to have been elected to the 
ministry here about 1800. In 1802, more complete organization took 
place. Shortly after this, John Garver, Sr., is supposed to have left 
Stonelick and migrated to Donnel's Creek, where he is identified as the 
Elder John Garver (or Garber), the first elder of the Donnel's Creek 
Church (sometime between 1805 and 1810). He probably assisted 
Jacob Miller in the organization of the lower Miami Church in 1805. 

The following persons are remembered as being members at or 
soon after the final organization of the Stonelick Church in 1802 : John 
Garver and wife, Abraham Miller, Catherine Miller, David Miller, 
Magdaline Miller, Stephen Miller and wife, Frederick Weaver, Eliza- 
beth Weaver, Mathias Maugans, David Bowman and wife, Joseph 
Myers and wife, Johnathan Conrod and wife, John Brown and wife, 
Isaac Cord, Gabriel Maugans, John Cramer and wife, Samuel Shepley, 
Jacob Garver and wife, William Stouder and wife, Christian Stouder 
and wife, Michael Custer and wife, Stephen Miller, Jr., Lewis Caudle 
and wife, Gabriel Karns and wife, Jonas Bowman, Lydia Belar, 
Catherine Gray, Arthur McNeal and wife, Rachael Frybarger, Sarah 
Stouder, Sarah Binkley, Daniel Miller and wife, Daniel Reprogle and 
wife, Jacob Metzer and wife, Esther Maugans and Daniel Maugans 
and wife. Of those that lived on Ten Mile, Joseph Garber and wife, 
F. Stoner and wife, four of the Bechtelheimers, and four of the Custers 
is a partial list. The first deacons were Abraham Miller and Joseph 
Myers. The immediate successors in probably the following order, were 
William Stouder, Daniel Miller, J. Gonver, Jr., Samuel Shepley, 
Nathan Haywood, Louis Chaney, Frederick Weaver, Joseph Mohler, 
Gabriel Karns, Hiram Whiting, Joseph Pringle, Isaac Watson, Daniel 
Grossnickle, Philip Pringle and Jesse Brown. 

Several of the above deacons were later on elected to the ministry, 
as almost all the ministers that have preached for the church have 
originated from it. John Garver, Sr., was the first preacher. Either he 
or John Garver, Jr., was the eldest of seven brothers, all ministers. 
Frederick Weaver, Mathias Maugans, Jacob Garver, Daniel Miller, 
Jacob Carnes, John Lawyer and John Brower were also ministers. In 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



1854, a brick church 30x50 and one story in height was built on the 
Milford and Woodville turnpike, two miles west of Edenton, at a cost 
of one thousand dollars. The building- committee was Frederick 
Weaver, Jesse Brown, John Stouder, Hiram Whiting and Gabriel 
Karns. At the time the church was erected, brethren John Garver, Jr., 
John Mohler, St., Nathan Haywood (elected here in 1838) and Andrew 
Mohler constituted the ministerial body. 

In after years, John Garver, Jr., moved to Hagerstown, Indiana, 
and John Mohler, Sr., was called to his reward. Andrew Mohler re- 
mained in this field with the exception of four years spent in Indiana. 
He returned to his native home in Clermont County living there until 
the early 60's when he moved to Iowa. Thus Brother Haywood was 
alone but soon the church called Gabriel Karns to his assistance. Some- 
time after this, Brother Haywood moved to Indiana and then to the 
Miami Valley and Brother Karns to Indiana. Then Elder Daniel 
Miller, a former minister elected here but who had moved away in 1829, 
now of sacred memory, made frequent visits to this isolated band and 
encouraged them greatly, as also did Elders Jacob Garber, George 
Holler, Samuel Garber and others. Elder Miller was likely the over- 
seer of the church at this time in conjunction with the home ministry. 
In making his visits he always drove. About the year 1865, Elder John 
Lair moved to the congregation. Soon after this time John Miller, Jr., 
was called to the ministry, as was Joseph Pringle in 1871. In 1872 or 
'73 Elder Lair moved to Kansas. October 24, 1877, the church again 
made choice of a minister and the lot fell on Daniel Grossnickle. Joseph 
Gibbs was also elected deacon at the same election. 

During these few years, beginning with the 70's Samuel Garber 
was elder in charge serving until the unfortunate days of the division. 
The church here never grew to equal some of her stronger sisters of the 
North, owing to the heavy emigration to other fields possessing greater 
agricultural inducements. While the church was meeting bravely the 
hindrances from this standpoint, the little band of seventy-five work- 
ers suffered another trying experience when the dark clouds of the 
division hung low, and threatened disaster on Wednesday, September 
6, 1882. The contending forces were almost evenly divided. As an im- 
mediate result in the official body. Daniel Grossnickle identified him- 
self with the Old Order Brethren. Isaac Watson, a deacon, also sought 
a home with them at this time, leaving the ministerial body repre- 



52 History of the Church of the Brethren 

sented by Joseph Pringle and John Mohler, Jr. After the death of the 
wife of the latter in 1885 he sold his farm and went to Kansas, where 
he remained two years, then returned. After his second marriage he 
united with the Old Order people, but did not enroll as a minister. The 
Board of Deacons now were Jesse Brown, church clerk, Joseph Gibbs 
and Philip Pringle. October 28, 1883 Jesse Binkley was added to the 
company of deacons. 

After the confusion had subsided, the church called Elders John 
Smith and Jesse Kinsey from the Miami Valley to preside over the 
congregation. They at once met with the church and encouraged the 
scattered forces. The church looking forward and upward, chose 
Simon P. Grossnickle, a young school teacher, for the sacred ministry, 
March 28, 1887. And again, the church had two ministers. September 3, 
1892, Joseph Pringle was ordained to the bishopric, and S. P. Gross- 
nickle advanced to the second degree. A deacon, John Grossnickle was 
also elected. March 22, 1903, A. F. Wine and family were received by 
letter into the fellowship of this congregation. November 7, following, 
he with his companion were called to the deacon's office. On the first 
Saturday of September, 1904, they requested and were granted a letter. 
The church missed their endeavors much, but soon realized that their 
loss was Denmark's gain, as Brother and Sister Wine sailed June 14, 
1913 for that field as missionaries. 

October 22, 1904, Brother and Sister Rufus Branson were installed 
in the office of deacon, having been received by letter from Indiana 
in 1903. November 10, 1908 another election was held for deacon. The 
result showed a tie vote for brethren Frank Pringle and D. M. Gross- 
nickle. The church installed both with their companions. All are serv- 
ing at the present time except Brother Wine and wife and Jesse Bink- 
ley and wife, the last having gone with the Grim Reaper. March 1, 1901, 
Geo. W. Buntain and family moved from the Salem District to the 
congregation. September 6, 1902, the church feeling a need of more help 
in the ministry, called him to the work. A few years he labored here. In 
1905, he moved to Minot, N. D. On June 30, 1906, the following year, 
Elder Joseph Pringle died, leaving alone in the ministry S. P. Gross- 
nickle. 

The church has been cared for by elders from the Miami Valley, 
with the exception of one year during which Elder Pringle had charge 
following Elders John Smith and Jesse Kinsey who resigned in 1897. 



of the Southern District of Ohio S3 

October 6, 1898, Elders John EL Brumbaugh and Aaron Coy were 
called to this work. They continued until the death of the former which 
occurred April 25, 1910. Elder Coy then served alone until S. P. Gross- 
nickle's ordination, July 22, 1911. This co-operation existed until 
November 5, 1916, when Elder Grossnickel and family left for Cali- 
fornia. The church had held no revival meetings for some years until 
1914, when Elder S. A. Blessing held a meeting, resulting in ten acces- 
sions, mostly young people. The incoming of these young people gave 
an impetus to the Sunday school as well as the beginning of a Christian 
Workers' meeting. 

In the fall of 1917, Elder Grossnickle and family returned here to 
his former home and March 2, 1918, gave his letter to the church. So 
once again, Stonelick Church has a minister living within her borders. 
Elder Aaron Coy remained elder in charge until March 1, 1919, when 
C. V. Coppock became the Presiding Elder. It enrolls in 1919, twenty- 
five members and about the same number in the Sunday school. After 
many vicissitudes, such is the brief chronicle of the oldest church in the 
Southern District of Ohio. 



m m m m m m m 

L seJ L'pgJ Ivj k^y <$& 1^2 L^/ 

( 2 ) 

Brush Creek. (Ridge.) 



I 



N Brush Creek Township, Highland County, near the Middle 
Fork of Brush Creek, lying parallel with the directions east 
and west may be seen a ridge rising gently as it recedes from the 
water course to its highest ascendency. As one gains the summit in 
about a mile, he is impressed by the magnificent view of the surround- 
ing country, which is by no means void of natural scenery. One can 
see various distances in different directions. At this vantage point 
stands the old Brush Creek church house, built in 1845 replaced by a 
new structure in 1898. The cemetery lies hard by, on the south and west. 
Here our fathers rest who did so much for the cause of the Master 
in this vicinity. The city of the dead holds its secrets silent and sacred. 



54 History of the Church of the Brethren 

The earliest or first preacher of the Church of the Brethren in 
Southern Ohio, of which we have any reliable account, was John 
Countryman. He was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, about 
1760. The exact date of his call to the ministry is unknown. He was 
married to Ann Marie Barbara Ridenour about 1780. About thirteen 
years later he left Virginia through Kentucky and crossed the Ohio 
River at Manchester, remained there a few months but soon located on 
a farm near what is now called the village of Sinking Spring. His home 
was near the Middle Fork of Brush Creek, two miles north of Elm- 
ville and four miles north of the celebrated Serpent's Mound. 

After coming to Ohio he was probably the first pioneer preacher 
in that region. His first preaching was done in private homes or wher- 
ever opportunity offered and as more settlers came into that hilly 
wilderness, never very populous, he organized in 1805, the Brush Creek 
Church. He died about the middle of the last century being more than 
ninety years old. His oldest child, a daughter, was his first convert. 
She lived to be almost a hundred years old and was the grandmother 
of G. Hampton Williams, of Adams County, who with Elder Landon 
West furnished most of the data of Brother Countryman's life. Brother 
Countryman often spoke in the German language and is said to have 
had great native ability as a preacher though he seems to have been 
little known beyond his immediate locality. 

Because of its influence on the churches of the southern coun- 
ties, we need to notice briefly an early effort of the Church of the 
Brethren in Kentucky. About the beginning of the last century or a 
little earlier, a number of Brethren came from Virginia and North 
Carolina to Kentucky and there formed a settlement, and for a time, 
were in an organized body or church. Among their ministry was one, 
Peter Hon (or Hahn), an able man, who through appeals to the sym- 
pathies of his hearers, soon aroused great interest wherever he went. 
He visited in Ohio as early as 1820, if not before that date, and preach- 
ed for the brethren in Adams and Highland counties. He advocated 
that the supper partaken of by the Brethren on lovefeast occasions was 
the Jewish Passover. 

This doctrine at first appealed to John Countryman, but he re- 
canted and this severed Hon's connection with the churches of 
Southern Ohio. He occasionally returned and preached wherever an 
opening appeared, advocating now the new doctrine of single immer- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



55 



sion. From 1841 to 1845 the Honites bade fair to sweep the land, but 
differences arose and Hon came back no more to trouble the churches. 
In 1839, Robert Calvert, a minister, moved to Adams County. He be- 
came an elder of great influence and was a co-laborer with John 
Countryman in Brother Countryman's declining years. In 1850 Mills 
Calvert, son of Robert Calvert, and John Garman were set apart to 
the ministry. John Garman and James Reed constituted the building 
committee and did most of the work, when the first Brush Creek meet- 
ing house was built in 1845. 

About 1859 the work had reached such splendid proportions, that 
more room was in demand. To meet this emergency, an addition was 




Brush Creek Church (Ridge House). 



built the same year. The deacons at this time were John Calvert, James 
Lyming (Lemon) and Matthew Rucker, who had been received by let- 
ter. The latter later affiliated himself with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Sinking Spring, Ohio. John Cadwallader, elder of an early 
day, may be mentioned as one of Robert Calvert's contemporaries. The 
church often had the pleasure of entertaining such as James Ouinter, 
Thomas and Sarah Major, and many others whose lives were bene- 
dictions. April 23, 1864 brethren Landon West and Isaac Jarnigan 
were called to the ministry, the first election since the meetinghouse 



56 History of the Church of the Brethren 

was completed. Brother Jarnigan united with the Christian Union per- 
suasion about three years later. 

As the congregation grew and prospered, the same blessings in dis- 
guise seemed to attend it as did the Apostolic church, that of being 
scattered abroad. Some members were to be found near Sinking 
Spring to the east. Quite a few in the vicinity of May Hill on the south- 
west. Still others at Marble Furnace in the south. Soon the proposition 
was launched touching a division of the territory, the building of 
branch houses of worship for the convenience of the membership here 
which numbered in 1880, nearly three hundred. Soon this was realized. 
The result will be given in detail in their respective order. The work 
remained under local leadership in this field until in 1890, when some 
irregularities were discovered which had crept into the fold so accord- 
ingly the District Conference detailed a special committee to make an 
investigation and correct if possible the features which were felt did 
violence to the accepted views of the Brotherhood at large, and to the 
gospel. The departures were two in number. The first was the Supper 
submitted for the Agape at lovefeast. The meal consisted of cakes, 
cheese, etc. Xo meat was used. The second proposition that presented 
itself was the Nonconformity question. It had received scant recog- 
nition and little attention as compared with her sister churches in the 
Miami Valley. The names of the brethren who served on the commit- 
tee during its twenty-two years oversight were Jacob Garber. John Cal- 
vin Bright, D. M. Garver. Jonas Horning, D. S. Filbrun, Samuel Horn- 
ing, John H. Brumbaugh, B. F. Petry, and William Minnich. Each of 
the four points received their care and council, viz.: The Ridge, (for- 
merly the Brush Creek house until the division of territory). May Hill, 
Marble Furnace, and Strait Creek Valley. Edward Jarvis, his wife. 
Flora Jarvis, (nee Butler) and William Setty, his wife, Emma Seitty, 
(nee Huffman) were the last deacons elected at the Ridge. Decadence 
setting in at the Ridge, it was not long until its decline was rapid. The 
Progressive element claimed quite a number, also some moved away 
and many died. 

The committee was released in 1912, and the field turned over to 
the Mission Board by the District Conference. They found the services 
practically abandoned at the Ridge for the previous four years. Only a 
few members remaining in that locality. The Mennonites held services 
for a time and considered the purchase of the premises but some inter- 



of the Southern District of Ohio ?7 



vention occurred. Later the Church of Christ in Christian Union held 
meetings there, considered it a fruitful field, and in due time by pur- 
chase became the possessors of the Ridge house. The District Mission 
Board through Elder Jesse O. Garst and J. W. Fidler, completed the 
transaction. So reads the history of the chief landmark of the Church 
of the Brethren in Highland and Adams Counties. The offsprings of 
this parent church each hold a remnant which will serve as a nucleus 
around which to build greater things for God. 



m mm mm mm 

( jagj [ cya 1 I cyo ' [an! ( qp ) ( eyo ) { ojq J 

(3) 
Strait Creek Valley 

STRAIT Creek Valley history properly begins with the building of 
the church in 1876. Before that time members in the vicinity of 
Sinking Spring attended the services in the Brush Creek (Ridge) 
house. While no congregational lines were drawn, the Strait Creek 
Church from this time on became a separate organization from the 
Brush Creek congregation in name if not in fact. This new structure 
was built in the vicinity of Strait Creek as it makes a graceful bend on 
its way to join Brush Creek below. The dedicatory sermon was 
preached by A. J. Hixson of the Lexington Church. The house is about 
one and one fourth miles south of Sinking Spring, a village of three 
hundred inhabitants. 

In the erection of this edifice (a frame structure 36x50) John 
Garman, a minister, living in the vicinity, played an important part, be- 
ing a minister since 1850. It had long been a desire of his heart to have 
a church near his home. He now gave the lot and largely financed the 
building of this church house also doing much of the work. Here he 
preached and labored until the early 90's when he moved to Florida, and 
died in the Southland September 1, 1898. The Garman people migrat- 
ing from German)' in 1793 settled in Virginia. Among others of the 
pioneer families of this region are the Amens, Heistands, Longs and 
also the Galls. In 1810 the Amen family came with the Garmans to 



5S History of the Church of the Brethren 

Ohio. The Heistand people came in 1806 from Virginia. The Gails 
came from Virginia in an early day also. Abraham Gall was one of the 
earliest deacons chosen for this congregation. He was born in Ohio, 
October 14, 1818, and died in 1886. 

This is also the field that received the labors of love given by Lan- 
don West in the acme of his ability. He lived less than a mile from the 
church house. His first wife was the daughter of John Garman above 
mentioned. His ordination also occurred at this place on May 23, 1880. 
Elders P. J. Brown and Jesse Calvert in charge. Brother West's labors 
here are a priceless heritage to this church. Since the organization of 







11 


: 1 


w * 


•mi 

i ; . .„'■ ..- — :fc 



Strait Creek Valley Church 

the congregation at this place three deacons have been chosen : Thomas 
C. Weaver, his wife, Eliza J. Weaver, (nee Gall), George S. Gorman, 
his wife, Clara J. Gorman, (nee DeLong), second wife, Margaret T. 
Gorman, (nee Ellenberger), Daniel E. Setty, his wife, Senith R. Setty, 
(nee Overholser). These deacons also constitute the board of trustees. 
R. H. Nicodemus came to this field Dec. 5, 1906, at the request of 
the committee in charge at that time, the District Mission Board assist- 
ing him. This pleasant association existed only about eighteen months 
when he left to take up student duties at Bethany Bible School in the 
fall of 1908. J. A. R. Couser then filled the appointments here as best 
he could with his other duties until 1911 when the committee succeed- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 59 

ed in having - placed in the field Van B. Wright then of the Lexington 
congregation. He located in Sinking Spring, near this church until 
April, 1917, when he with his parents moved to Peebles to be more 
centrally located for his work in adjacent churches. This church has 
had a larger membership during the last decade than any of her sister 
churches in Highland or Adams counties, numbering in 1919 thirty- 
five members. J. O. Garst is at present the Presiding Elder of the 
Strait Greek Valley Church. Brother Wright is the pastor. 



(4) 

May Hill 

MAY Hill is a village in Bratton Township in Adams County. It 
lies seven miles north of the Xorfolk and Western Railway, 
not a great distance from the celebrated Serpent Mound. May 
Hill is said to have been named by a Mr. Selzer some eighty years ago 
on account of the prolific production of May apples. The agricultural 
advantages are not prepossessing. One mile east of this village is sit- 
uated the May Hill Church. The history of this church as a separate 
organization begins in 1880. All four congregations, viz. : The Ridge, 
Strait Creek Valley, Marble Furnace and May Hill tried to hold to- 
gether until this date when they were formed into separate organiza- 
tions. 

Previous to this, April 7, 1877, a special council meeting was held 
here in the May Hill school house, where the brethren held services 
prior to the building of the church house. An election was held which 
affected the other branch houses growing out of the division of the ter- 
ritory of the Brush Creek congregation. William Calvert and W. Ouin- 
ter Calvert were called to the ministry. Landon West advanced to the 
second degree of the ministry, and eight deacons were chosen. The 
two for the Ridge were Sanford Setty and Sylvester Noland, the 
former was afterwards chosen to the ministry, now in Kerman, Cali- 
fornia. Two were chosen for Marble Furnace, Watson Custer and 



60 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



George Sample. Two for Strait Creek Valley, Ira Garman and Abra- 
ham Gall. Two for May Hill, Aaron Guthrie and Noah Calvert. 

The ground on which the meeting house stands was donated by 
the Calvert family, it being a part of the old farm. A small cemetery 
lies by the side of the church on the north. The dedicatory services in 
1880 were conducted by A. J. Hixson. Just before the house was com- 
pleted, the first meeting was held, it being the occasion of the advanc- 
ing of brethren William Calvert and W. 0. Calvert to the second de- 




May Hill Church 



gree of the ministry, Elders P. J. Brown and Jesse Calvert in charge. 
At this time, 1880, there were five ministers who ministered to these 
four churches : William Calvert, W. Ouinter Calvert, of May Hill, 
Landon West and John Garman of Strait Creek Valley, and Isaiah 
Custer at Marble Furnace, Mills Calvert having passed away in 18/6. 
His memory is held sacred in the annals of this church. He is remem- 
bered as a leader among men. 

One by one these leaders left the scenes of their great labors. 
William Calvert died in 1907, Elder Landon West moved to Preble 
County, Elder W. Quinter Calvert went to California. Near this church 
was the special home of the Calverts, as well as of J. A. R. Couser. 
the sweet singer, also a minister, being elected in 1898. He served four- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



61 



teen years previously as a deacon. Other deacons in that region before 
1880 were Joel Calvert, Noah Calvert, and John Calvert. Few of the 
older families remain. The Kinzers, Guthries and most of the Ellen- 
bergers are gone. J. O. Garst is the elder in charge. Van B. Wright 
ministers to the spiritual wants of the few members that yet remain. 



m m m m m m 

^<5(aJ ( eyo , I cp ) ( 5)P ) I e\ra ( cyo ) 



(5) 

Marble Furnace 

^TT>HERE was built up about Marble Furnace a settlement of me- 
chanics, tradesmen and furnace men which became known as the 
J - village of Marble Furnace and was a .flourishing place in early 
days. But after the abandonment of the furnaces in 1834 the village 
rapidly declined and now nothing remains but a few buildings and an 
old mill. Hard by across Brush Creek, on the opposite bank stands the 
Marble Furnace Church. It was built in 1877. The cemetery lies across 
the road to the west. In it lies the body of the father and founder of 
this church, Isaiah Custer. What John Garman did for Strait Creek 
Valley, in about the same way Isaiah Custer did for Marble Furnace. 




Marble Furnace Church 



62 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





\ 


j 


1 
















\ 



Cassel's Run Church. 



This stalwart man of God took up the major portion of the finan- 
cial responsibility towards securing this house of worship. He was a 
very industrious man and doubtless did much of the manual labor in its 
erection. J. A. R. Couser spent the last few years of his residence in 
the Southland in the bounds of this point, living in Peebles, three miles 
away. Being closer to this church house than any of the others, he 
gave a good share of his time to this point, which is noticed by the 
interest in the choral work. Before its organization the deacons who 
especially assisted here were Watson Custer, George Sample, William 
Thomas, and Job Thomas. Since the organization three deacons have 
been chosen : brethren, Frank Ramsey, Lloyd Thomas and Quinter 
Ramsey (deceased). 

Here also Van B. Wright was ordained to the eldership, January 
20, 1919, by Elders J. W. Fidler and J. O. Garst. Elder Wright, being 
now in the immediate vicinity of this church, living at Peebles, will be 
able to devote more attention to the membership of this church than 
had been done previously. Another fortunate circumstance for the 
church occurred June 29, 1919, when Elder Wright took to himself a 
wife, Nora M. Shively, of Plymouth, Indiana, who is proving a valuable 
addition as a church worker and song leader. With a lot of young 
people in attendance at the church services, a few of whom are mem- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 63 

bers of the church, greater things may be expected of this congregation 
in the future. J. O. Garst is the elder in charge. 

Many series of meetings have been held in this church in the past. 
Those that have exercised in that capacity here, were Jesse Calvert, 
William Calvert, Quinter Calvert, George Wilkin, B. S. Landess, B. F. 
Petry, R. H. Nicodemus, J. C. Bright, William Minnich, J. O. Garst, 
B. F. Honeyman, and Van B. Wright. Good results followed these 
meetings. Marble Furnace numbers but fifteen members (not including 
Cassel's Run) but is a big field for work. 



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(eyo) leyaj (cyo) Itif)) I <V> J I <W ) ( "H^J 

(6) 

Cassel's Run 

TW r ENTY-OXE miles southeast of Peebles, Ohio, is the little 
white church in the valley, called Cassel's Run. It derives its 
name from the stream on whose banks it is situated, in Jeffer- 
son Township, Adams County. It is not at present legally an organized 
congregation, but remains a branch of the Marble Furnace Church, 
in whose territory it lies though being too remotely situated as to 
make it essentially a distinct organization. In point of member- 

ship it is larger than the mother church. Its history is 

the most youthful of all the churches in this section. In 
June, 1887, Landon West and Oliver Yount held the first services 
ever conducted here by the Brethren in the "little red school 
house" a well known landmark. It appealed to these brethren 

as a fruitful field. Later the same year they returned. A meeting was 
held and five persons gave themselves to God. A lovefeast was held 
for the benefit of these new converts. From that time for many years 
an occasional sermon by ministers passing that way was all the en- 
couragement these people received. Now and then upon occasions like 
this, those were found who wished to do the will of God more per- 
fectly. Such were baptized. These children of the truth did the best 
they could for the Master, with their surroundings and limitations, be- 
ing without a teacher. In August, 1913, they learned of Van B. Wright 



64 History of the Church of the Brethren 

being stationed at Sinking Spring, ministering to the upper churches 
in Adams County. They wrote Harrison Wisecup asking him to bring 
the minister. Arrangements were made accordingly. On August 11, 
1913, the first trip was made. The meetings lasted five days, and nine 
were ready to follow Christ. These meetings were held at the home of 
John W. Satterfield who generously entertained whosoever came to 
service. A series of meetings were arranged for, to follow in about two 
weeks. When the appointed time arrived it developed that a sufficient 
number came to increase the recent recruits to thirty, making fifty- 
four in all. The events during this period brought about a strong pres- 
sure for a church house. Toilworn hands pledged their support. The 
meager purses promised aid, then an appeal was carried to the District 
Mission Board, prefaced by an invitation to view the land. In reply 
Elders J. O. Garst and J. W. Fidler, members of the Board, came and 
noted conditions. UpDn their recommendation the project received the 
principal financial assistance from this source. A frame structure 
(24x36) was at once erected. On November 1, 1914, it was formally 
dedicated, Elder R. C. Davidson officiating. Since which time Van 
B. Wright has ministered to them up to the present. 



mmmmmmm 

(?) 

Lexington (Fall Creek) 

THE reader is invited to the home of Daniel Ockerman, a 
Dunker minister, near Raleigh, North Carolina. He, with 
his family, emigrated to Ohio in 1812, settling at White Oak 
in Highland County. His son, David, was then twelve years old. When 
twenty-two years of age he married and located near Lexington. David 
Ockerman became an earnest Christian, and a zealous pioneer deacon of 
the Church of the Brethren. Here is where the work of the Master had 
its beginning in this region. Here the seeds of a coming harvest were 
sown by the ministers passing that way. Here the Eall Creek Church 
was conceived. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



65 



A meeting house was erected eight miles east of Hillsboro, Ohio, 
and three miles west of New Petersburg, on a parcel of ground donated 
by Thomas Montgomery one of the pioneer settlers. Neither he nor 
his wife were members at the time. But in 1866 his wife was received 
into the church, he in 1870. They proved a valuable asset in the capac- 
ity of deacon. The work here was directed principally by the Ocker- 
mans, Morrises, Kinzers, Baileys, Johnsons, and Hixsons. A dwelling 
now stands on the plat once occupied by the church house. The old 
cemetery lies west about one fourth mile. It goes by the name of 
Quaker or Stringtown cemetery. The Friends have a neat house of 
worship within a stone's throw of where the mother church used to 
stand. 




Lexington Church. 



The membership began to grow and extend westward. It was not 
a great while until the question of dividing the district was advanced. 
This was soon realized. A point to the east was known as Twin Valley 
situated four miles south of Lyndon, two miles east of Fruitdale and 
north of Bainbridge. This has long since been abandoned and convert- 
ed into a dwelling. The house built in the western portion of the ter- 
ritory was called Lexington being located about two miles south of 
Lexington now called Highland. Both these congregations, Twin and 
Lexington used the same body of helpers and feasted together on love- 



66 History of the Church of the Brethren 

feast occasions while the former existed. This entire section is still 
in the embrace of the Lexington Church. Since neither of the other 
churches exists, it represents a territory of about four hundred square 
miles, and in its palmy days boasted a membership of about two 
hundred. 

The Fall Creek congregation received into their number Elder 
Thomas Major and wife from Pennsylvania, in 1847. The public 
ministry of Sister Major was quite prominent throughout the Brother- 
hood at this time. Their home was about one and one-half miles south- 
west of the Fall Creek Church, and two miles northeast of New Boston. 
In 1849 Brother Major with his attendant, Gideon Moore, built the 
Lexington house of worship. It is a spacious frame structure (45x60) 
in size with a basement at the rear (18x45). The upstairs was fitted 
with lodging conveniences for visiting brethren and sisters who at- 
tended special meetings in this local district. This point had a nucleus 
of seventy-five members, at the date of the organization, but within 
that same year the membership grew to one hundred. Thomas Major 
was elder in charge of the body from the date of his residence among 
them, 1847 until his resignation (by reason of age) in 1883. 

James Quinter, a champion of higher education in our Brotherhood, 
sought to interest the brethren in this field in his work. After a while a 
set of buildings erected in the village of New Vienna for an academy, 
were offered for sale. The brethren in this territory purchased the 
buildings as suitable for the proposed Brethren School. Accordingly 
on Oct. 14, 1861, the work began with James Quinter. as Superinten- 
dent, assisted by O. W. Miller as Principal. Sisters C. A. and Hattie 
Hass, Mary Craig and Lettie and Rachael Day composed the faculty. 
The work met with reasonable success, notwithstanding the pressure 
throughout the Brotherhood by conscientious objectors, but after a 
struggle of three short years the work was called off by the Brethren 
because of the business depression superinduced by the Civil War. The 
school closed June 27, 1864. This was practically the first blow the 
work received at this point. Services had been maintained by the 
Brethren all the while in the college chapel. Thus an additional expan- 
sion was possibly curbed. 

Then having almost recovered from this recent hinderance, came 
with almost killing effect the division in the church, in Sept. 1883. The 
Progressive element relieved the church of her entire ministerial force 



of the Southern District of Ohio 67 

consisting of T. Elwood Davis and Armanis J. Hixson. Both were 
successful ministers, leaving only the deacons representing the official 
board and the Sunday school to stem the tide. Soon adjoining elders 
and churches came to the rescue. Landon West was chosen elder and 
served until his resignation, because of ill health, in 1889. In 1883 
brother J. Elwood Ockerman, a rising school teacher, was called to the 
ministry, but in a short time his professional duties called him to other 
fields becoming superintendent of schools in various towns. Then the 
church made choice of a brother of the former, D. Allen Ockerman in 
1885. He served the church until the fall of 1917, when he moved to 
Kokomo, Indiana. In 1889 Jacob Garber was given the oversight of 
the work which he retained until 1901. In 1898 I). Allen Ockerman was 
ordained, and from that time the eldership of the congregation was of 
an associate character. D. D. Wine was the last non-resident elder to 
assist in the work. This was in 1901-2. 

In 1889 William Mallow of the Fairview Church placed his mem- 
bership at Lexington as the above church had gone Progressive. The 
Fairview Church will be found to be alluded to incidentally, in the 
Frankfort Church history. J. W. Beer of Progressive fame was the 
elder of that church at the time of the division, living in that locality, 
and swayed the congregation to go the way he went. Brother Mallow 
now contributed his ministerial assistance to the Lexington Church 
which amounted to some three or four trips each year. Other ministers 
of an earlier date were John Moomaw, Thomas Fulk, Samuel Parker. 
Little is known of these owing to no surviving contemporaries. In 1908 
Van B. Wright was elected to the ministry and served until 1911 
when he accepted an appointment under the District Mission Board 
of Southern Ohio. In 1910, Leslie E. Ockerman, son of D. Allen 
Ockerman, was called to the work and in the following year he with 
his family removed to Kokomo, Indiana. 

The following brethren served the church in the office of deacon. 
John Bailey was elected in 1852. James P. Johnson was chosen in 
1859. John Ockerman in 1869. He served the church in this capacity 
for about thirty years. George Kinzer was elected in 1880. D. Allen 
Ockerman also in 1880, afterwards was elected to the ministry. J. G. 
McClure and David Dodds, Sr., were elected in 1894. Henry Cobaugh 
who was received by letter from Greene, Iowa, in 1906, resides 
in Highland. Clay Hixson elected in 1908, is a young active deacon and 



68 History of the Church of the Brethren 

clerk of the church. Van B. Wright also was elected deacon in 1908 and 
afterwards was elected to the ministry. Harley Case was elected a 
deacon in 1908, afterwards moved to Middletown. Since D. Allen Ock- 
erman moved away in 1917 this once prosperous church has been with- 
out a resident minister. J. O. Garst is the elder in charge. The few 
members remaining are keeping the fire still burning through the 
Sunday-school work and prayer meetings, and they anxiously await 
the call of the Lord to some consecrated minister to locate among 
them. 



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(8) 
White Oak (Hollowtown) 

THE White Oak Church is situated about a dozen miles southwest 
of Hillsboro, the county seat of Highland County. The organ- 
ization was called White Oak by reason of that particular 
water course being the most prominent in that section. No early records 
of this congregation were kept and it is thought by some to have been 
organized with twenty-three members about 1840, though it might have 
been earlier as Jacob Garver, a minister, living to the west on the Big 
Miami often visited the Landesses and held religious services at their 
house in Hamer. Not having any regular appointments, whenever he ap- 
peared Brother Landess would mount a horse, make a complete cir- 
cuit of the neighborhood announcing the arrival of the preacher and 
the services at his home. Brother Garver preached here as early as 
1817. 

Among the pioneer Brethren ministers visiting through New 
Market, Hamer, Salem and other townships was Peter Hon, (some- 
times spelled Hahn). He was from the Kentucky church. He also 
usually stopped at the home of the Landesses. Both Garver and Lion 
later began to advocate single immersion, and the church accordingly 

refused to own them. The need of a church house becoming more ap- 
parent, about 1857 or 59, a frame structure was erected in Hollow- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 69 

town, a small village. Previous to this, meetings were held in barns of 
the members in this vicinity. The building shown in the cut is the re- 
modeled building of 1893. What is unusual about this church house is, 
that its cupola contains a large bell which when rung sends out its 
sonorous tones for miles over the level country of this region. 

The pioneer settlers in this section were Lewis Young, George 
Fouch, Joseph Custer, Jonathan Custer, Jonathan Moser, Walter 
Smith, Henry Landess and Jacob Custer. Of these families, Lewis 
Young, Henry Landess and Jonathan Moser were deacons. Later 
Charles Whiting, Philip Pringle and William Moser were called to the 
deacon's office. On May 6, 1889, A. D. Hess, Wm. Custer and G. E. 
Miller were elected deacons, in this congregation. These later went 
Progressive, but having no organization they finally united with the 
Church of Christ. June 15, 1890, Melvin Custer was called to serve in 
the capacity of deacon. He now lives in California. The first minister 
was Jacob Custer, who did considerable , exhorting. Later, Hartley 
Smith, a physician, an able speaker, became a minister about 1850. He 
identified himself with the Granger movement which cost him his posi- 
tion in the church. His body lies in the cemetery near the Wnite Oak 
Church, in sound of where his powerful pleadings had their designed 
effect. 

Christian Fisher Detwiler, was the resident minister a short time 
beginning about 1880. But he soon returned to Pennsylvania where he 
spent his last days. In 1887, B. S. Landess was called to the 
ministry. He did some local evangelistic work. Now for some years 
he has been laboring for the Church of Christ. A few months later 
George C. Wilkin was chosen to the ministry. He also labored well 
until he too decided to change his relationship and affiliated himself 
with the Church of Christ. In 1906, the church feeling the need of a 
minister called R. C. Davidson to the work, who was duly advanced to 
eldership in 1911 and is now one of the conservative elders of Southern 
Ohio. Living in the neighborhood of his physical and spiritual birth 
place, Frank C. Custer, called to the ministry in the May Hill congre- 
gation, is now living in this district. He was advanced to the second 
degree, Aug. 24, 1910. Sister Major made a few visits to this field in 
her day. 

The congregation is about 20 miles distant from the nearest 
adjoining congregation. Wm. and W. Quinter Calvert male frequent 



70 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



visits to this isolated group of members and did some very acceptable 
work. The largest membership at any one time, was in the 70's. The 
number reaching 100 souls. The most successful revival in this field 
was held during the palmy days of her life, with Brethren Isaac Frantz 
and Oliver Yount as principals. The church isolated as it was did not 
have the privilege of entertaining any meeting of District importance. 
Nor did the church ever hold services at branch points. When the 
church became strictly conservative, their Sunday-school movement 
was put on foot. At the first, a Union Sunday school superintended by 
a Mr. Eli Roush of the Christian Church, was held. 




White Oak Church (Hollowtown). 
This house was destroyed by fire the night of July 4, 1920. 

The Church of the Brethren occupied the entire territory until the 
Church of Christ built a sanctuary within a stone's throw of it. Xo 
regular services have been held at this point for some years. The mem- 
bership does not exceed a dozen at the present time (1919). The old 
pioneer members have been called home. Fannie Landess, a loyal sac- 
rificing aged sister was among the last to go. Ministers who have held 
revivals or labored here were Elders Jonas Horning, Isaac Frantz, 
Joseph Longanecker, S. W. Hoover, John H. Brumbaugh, B. F. Petry, 
Wm. Minnich, J. O. Garst and Van B. Wright. This church has had 
many trials and its declension through force of circumstances has been 
rapid. It is now in the hands of the Mission Board and J. O. Garst 



of the Southern District of Ohio 71 

has been assigned as elder over it. Of the present four preachers in 
the Southern Field, two of them, Brethren Davidson and Custer re- 
side in this church's territory, while the other two live respectively in 
the congregations to the east and west of it. Special meetings have 
been held here occasionally since the discontinuation of the regular 
appointments, with good interest. It is hoped something may be done 
ere long to restore this church to its pristine power. 



m m m m m m m 

LseJ (qeJ LgeJ Lgej l^) L^eJ L'^eJ 



CHAPTER III. 



The Miller-Bowman Group 



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At the Grave of Elder Jacob Miller, July 5, 1916. 
Jesse O. Garst John Calvin Bright 



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Introduction 



PENETRATING the dense wilderness of the Miami Valley, amid 
difficulties almost insurmountable, the Pennsylvanians, Vir- 
ginians, Marylanders, North Carolinians, and Kentuckians, 
were the advance guard of the staunchest army of heroes this world 
has ever known. Their mission was constructive and not destructive. 
Floating on flatboats down the Ohio and working their way northward, 
or coming directly overland, their arrival did not end their trials which 
now began in earnest. After the cabin was built the settler had before 
him the gigantic task of cutting away the forest and burning the brush 
that the little patch of sunshine around his home might be enlarged. His 
time was rapidly consumed in caring, for his few cleared acres and add- 
ing to the same as his strength permitted. While he was thus engaged 
in the field and forest, the good house wife was busy with her mani- 
fold household duties which were unceasing. The softly whirring 
spinning wheel and rythmic music of the loom was heard in nearly 
every home, while blending with it came the distant thud of the ax 
from the forest, forecasting the early subduing of the wilderness by 
both man and woman. 

Such in brief were the characteristics of this region around Pos- 
sum Creek, a tributary of the Miami, when Elder Jacob Miller located 
here in 1800, becoming the owner of part of three sections of land. His 
final home being in section eleven, Jefferson township, Montgomery 
County, about one mile northwest of where the Lower Miami Church 
now stands. He purchased this April 18, 1804. The land west of the 
Miami was not offered for sale until 1801, so Elder Miller's first land 
entry is dated July 28, 1801. He however came the year before, when 
he baptized Mary Roher, a young girl eighteen years old. Elder Miller 
is indisputably the first Brethren minister west of the Great Miami 
River. 



76 History of the Church of the Brethren 

The country must have appeared wild indeed in 1800. Draw upon 
the imagination and look to the westward and northward from Elder 
Miller's home. Wave upon wave of unbroken, forest was seen. To the 
northeast it was the same, but continuing- about two miles in the same 
direction and looking from the highest elevation on the grounds now 
occupied by the- Soldiers' Home, could have been seen less than a score 
of houses, the beginning of the proud city of Dayton, then four years 
old. The year before Elder Miller came the entire city consisted of 
nine cabins. Six miles to the south might have been seen then as now, 
the Great Mound of the Mound Builders standing a solitary sentinel of 
the past. Looking to the southeast from Elder Miller's home, no one 
would have suspected that only two miles away flowed the beautiful 
blue Miami on its winding course, hid as it was by the forest and a 
great bluff now known as the "Pinnacles." The proximity of this 
stream caused the organization which Elder Miller established to be 
called the Lower Miami Church, the first one of the Church of the 
Brethren west of the Great Miami River. 

Quite a number of Brethren families came in the meanwhile, 
among whom were the Millers, Wolfs, Bowsers, Metzgers Shivelys, 
Forneys, Noffsingers, Keens, Cripes, Caylors, Weybrights, Ullerys, 
Florys, Vanimans, Arnolds, Kuns, Coblentzes and Rohrers. Members of 
some of these early families met at the home of Elder Jacob Miller in 
October 1805, and likely with the assistance of Elder Michael Etter and 
John Garber (or Garver), who probably located on Stillwater and Don- 
nel's Creek respectively, about this time, were organized in the Lower 
Miami Church. It included all of Montgomery County and embraced 
the members on Beaver Creek. Jacob Miller was given charge. He had 
for his assistants in the ministry, David Bowman, Sr., and Daniel 
Cripe, and later David Ulrich, John Burkett, and his son, David 
Miller. The deacons were Leonard Wolf, Jacob Cripe, Christian Shive- 
ly and John Forney. Some of these were called at this meeting. Elias 
Caylor, born May 22. 1805, (the first white child born west of the 
Miami River), was then a babe a few months old in his mother's arms, 
and long remained the sole survivor of this immortal band. He died 
at Arcadia, Indiana, in 1889. 

The early brethren made use of every helpful circumstance. This 
is shown in the life of Henry Hepner who was born in Lancaster 
County, Pennsylvania, in 1762, married Mary ITyser and soon after 



of the Southern District of Ohio 77 

moved to Rockingham County, Virginia, and from thence, in 1806 to 
some miles west of where Elder Miller lived. He began life in the woods 
in true pioneer style. Carefully selecting a spot where there was a 
large oak tree, as a site for his cabin, he felled it, leaving the stump 
a certain height which he dressed and built his cabin over it. This 
dressed stump became the table in that home for years, and while it 
had little resemblance to the modern dining room table, and the wife 
was unable to move it around on housecleaning occasions, the meals 
served on it would do credit now to the best hotel. Another pioneer 
who came to this locality the same year, was Jacob Diehl, born in Bed- 
ford County, Pennsylvania, residing here many years and later in the 
Wolf Creek district. He was a cabinet maker by trade and also farmed. 
As there were few regular undertakers he was frequently called on to 
make coffins, and often delivered them on horseback a distance of some 
miles. Several decades later Jacob Keen served in the same capacity. 

It was a splendid time in which to live so far as taxes were con- 
cerned as the tax duplicates in 1804 show Michael Moyer taxed on 
about six hundred acres of land, three dollars and seven cents. Jacob 
Miller on nearly three hundred acres, one dollar and forty-three cents 
and Philip Keen on a little over one hundred acres, seventy cents. This 
is offset by the fact that these brethren's postoffice was sixty miles 
away at Cincinnati until 1804, after which it was at Dayton. 

The brethren were held in much reverence by their neighbors, in- 
cluding the Indians who regarded Bishop Miller with as much respect 
as the red men of Pennsylvania had for William Penn over a hundred 
years before. They said, "He is a good man that the Good Spirit sent 
from the east.'' The brethren prospered financially and spiritually, 
they increased in numbers by conversion and immigration, but some- 
how in a few years a serious trouble arose among them, in which the 
officials were largely involved and which threatened the life of the 
church on the Miami. 

By the church's request a committee of four elders came from 
the Valley of Virginia on October 18, 1811. Their names were: John 
Garber, Martin Garber, Jacob Staley and Frederick Klein. The diffi- 
culties were committed into their hands with the promise to abide by 
their decision even before investigation was made. The contentions 
were investigated, decision rendered and full satisfaction was made. 
This was done so well that to their honor be it said that not even a 



78 History of the Church of the Brethren 

record of their perplexities has come down to satisfy our curiosities. 
This committee also divided the Lower Miami Church into four divi- 
sions : Lower Miami, Lower Stillwater, Bear Creek and Wolf Creek 
Churches, with the Dayton and Eaton Road and the Liberty and Still- 
water Road as the lines. These lines were to be somewhat elastic. Ref- 
erence was also made that the members east of the Great Miami be- 
long to the Lower Miami Church. Two ministers w r ere named as be- 
longing to each church ; also, two deacons. Mention was made to elect 
some more deacons. The elders departed to their southern homes with 
the benedictions of these churches resting upon them. 

The title given to this group of churches is appropriate because 
of the prominence of Elders Jacob Miller and David Bowman, Sr., in 
these early churches. The Miller-Bowman Group includes the Lower 
Miami Church and the churches in which it has been divided : Lower 
Miami, Bear Creek, Lower Stillwater, and Wolf Creek Churches and 
their subdivisions : Lower Miami, Bear Creek, Lower Stillwater, Trot- 
wood, Ft. McKinley, Wolf Creek, Brookville, Eversole, Beaver Creek, 
East Dayton, and West Dayton, which will now be considered in de- 
tail. 



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(1) 

Lower Miami 

THE history of the Lower Miami Church begins with its organ- 
ization in 1805. The story of its beginning and up to the time its 
broad territory was cut into four divisions, October 18, 1811, 
have already been told. (See Miller-Bowman group.) This church 
under its new role included that part of Montgomery County east of the 
Liberty Road and south of the Dayton and Eaton Road with that part 
of the county east of the Miami with the settlement on Beaver Creek. 
Bishop Miller continued to preside until his death in 1815. He was 
assisted by his son, David Miller, who moved to Indiana in a few years, 
also, by Benjamin Bowman who came here in the early teens and re- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 79 

mained until in the twenties when he moved to Nettle Creek Church, 
Indiana. His father, John Bowman, a deacon, lived with him and went 
with him to Indiana. The mother was buried in Pennsylvania years 
before. Elder Benjamin Bowman became the Presiding Elder after 
Miller's death and ruled until the early twenties. 

About this time Elder Frederick Holler located in this vicinity 
coming from Maryland, but originally coming from Germany. He was 
born September 16, 1771. His wife, Ester Harshman, died May 10, 
1851, aged 76 years and 3 days. After Elder Bowman left, Elder 
Abraham Miller had the oversight of the church for an indefinite period, 
following which, Elder Frederick Holler took charge and ruled until 
his death, January 21, 1845. 

Among the first families located here before 1850 that took an 
interest in the church work were the Florys, Noffsingers, Keens, 
Shanks, Shivelys, Hoovers, Hyers, Huffers, Stebbins, Coblentzes, and 
Stauffers. Some of the early deacons of this period were Jacob Noff- 
singer, John Stauffer, Jacob Keen, David Shively (1850), Eli Noff- 
singer and Samuel Ulrich (1850). 

Only two records of early council meetings are in existence, one 
held April 23, 1848, the other April 27, 1850. At the first one Jacob 
Keen with his wife, Catherine Keen, (nee Holler) was installed deacon, 
at the latter George Holler with his wife, Lydia Holler, (nee Huffman) 
was elected to the ministry. Keen came nearly being elected to the 
ministry at this election, Holler receiving four more votes. These two 
men were destined to play an important part together in the history 
of this church during the entire latter half of the last century. Keen, a 
brother-in-law to Holler, was born December 24, 1815, on the farm of 
his father, Philip Keen, one of the early brethren and first settlers. Be- 
ing a master mechanic and a fine financier, he was very helpful in the 
erection of the first house as well as the second one. He and his 
brother-in-law, George Holler, in their different spheres of church 
activity worked together in perfect unison. In some respects one was 
the complement of the other. Keen nearly all his long life was the 
treasurer of the church and was noted for his integrity and honesty. 
He died January 29, 1906, being more than ninety years old. Born 
two years before his contemporary, Elder Holler, he also survived him 
two years. Brethren Keen and Holler at the date of their death were 



80 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 81 

respectively the oldest deacon and the oldest minister in length of serv- 
ice in the M iami Valley. 

The long rule of George Holler as elder coupled with the rule of 
Elder Frederick Holler before him, caused many to speak of this as 
the Holler Church instead of its true name Lower Miami. Before 1840 
the preaching was mostly in German, after that time it drifted rapidly 
into English. In passing this early period it might he well to note that 
several families through their descendants seem to be permanent fix- 
tures in the lifeblood of this church through all the years up to the 
present. These were the Hollers, Keens, Noff singers, Shanks, Cob- 
lentzes and later the Neidich family. These have so intermarried that 
most members of the church are related by bonds of consanguinity 
as well as by spiritual ties. In 1845 Elder Michael Moyer became the 
Presiding Elder and ruled until 1857 when his mind lost its wonted 
strength. He was born August 20, 1794, and died July 15, 1861. In 
1857 Elder Daniel Noffsinger became elder in charge and ruled until 
his death October, 1866. Elder George Holler then began his long 
oversight of the church. 

November 19, 1845 a plat of ground was donated by Eli and 
Samuel Noffsinger for a place upon which to erect a church house, 
which was done a year or so later. This was a brick house without a 
basement, to which later on, a frame kitchen, with cellar was attached. 
This house in 1871, was replaced by a substantial brick structure with 
basement, costing $3,500.00, which is the present commodious edifice 
as shown in the illustration. 

Of the preachers and deacons who served here between 1850 and 
1880 no real record has been found. David Murray was elected here 
in 1854, ordained in 1873 and moved to Salem Church in 1876. George 
Murray preached here in the 60' s then moved to< Springfield, Illinois, 
becoming an attorney. Wm. Neidich afterward a deacon came here 
about 1855 from Pennsylvania. Daniel Bock with his wife, Susan Bock, 
(nee Erbaugh) was elected to the deacon's office in 1865. At the same 
election John Noffsinger, Sr., with his wife, Barbara Noffsinger, (nee 
Rohrer) was installed in the same office. Brother Noffsinger served 
twice on the Annual Meeting Committee of Arrangements. He was 
a mechanic of ability. He is now the oldest living deacon, being 
eighty-five years old. Silas Bilman with his wife, Susan Billman, (nee 
Stauffer) and Jacob Holler with his wife, Elizabeth Holler, (nee 



82 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Shank) were elected in the later 60's. Billman is remembered as the 
chorister of the church for many years. He has his membership now in 
the West Dayton Church. Daniel Bock was elected to the ministry here 
in 1869. He came from Pennsylvania being, born in Franklin County in 
1834. He moved to Howard County, Indiana in 1874. About 1870 
Enoch Hyer with his wife, Mary Hyer, (nee Keen) was installed in the 
deacon's office. Samuel Gilbert with his wife, Sarah Gilbert, (nee Wal- 
lace) was elected deacon about the same time. Jacob Holler was elected 
to the ministry in the early 70's. He was noted for his sterling integ- 
rity and benevolence. He never was ordained, dying in the prime of his 
manhood when fifty-four years old after an active career of preaching. 
Israel Brower moved here in 1872, was ordained in 1873 and died 1879. 
He was a sympathetic and fine exhorter. 

In 1879 the first Sunday school was organized here. John Murray 
was the first superintendent. It became an evergreen Sunday school 
in 1897 and has remained so ever since. In 1882 Enoch Hyer was 
elected to the ministry. He seldom preached in the pulpit, confining 
his remarks to the opening and closing services. His quiet, even poised 
life was a great asset for good. 

The years 1880 to 1882 were strenuous years in this church. The 
Old Order element never made itself felt here but the Progressive ele- 
ment seemed influential. In the spring of 1880, James A. Ridenour, a 
minister, with his wife, Mary E. Ridenour, (nee Bucklew) and nine 
children came from West Virginia, and located within the limits of this 
church. He was born in Preston County, West Virginia, July 12, 1840, 
and became a minister in June, 1861. January 7, 1876, his home was 
completely destroyed by fire, leaving him penniless. From this time he 
gave himself to evangelistic work in different states, being very suc- 
cessful. In February, 1879, on one of his preaching tours he visited 
the Miami Valley, where he soon won many friends who induced him 
to locate here. A little later a farm was bought near Ellerton. a dona- 
tion of three thousand dollars having been given him. Though of lim- 
ited education, he was oratorically strong, being equaled by few, but 
with a pronounced liberalism which soon led him into the Progressive 
camp. He and J. W. Fitzgerald of the Bear Creek church were the 
most prominent leaders of the Progressive movement residing near 
Dayton. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 83 

During this period of stress, one Sunday afternoon meeting is still 
remembered. The church doors were found locked. The preacher, 
H. R. Holsinger, of Progressive fame, using the stone steps as a pulpit, 
delivered his message to the audience in the yard. Soon however, the 
church caught her bearing, responding nobly to the loyal teaching of 
Elder George Holler and his son, Jacob Holler, and found that no great 
inroad had been made on the membership. Frank Cotterman, an elder, 
moved here in the 80's and preached here occasionally until the terri- 
tory east of the Soldiers' Home in which he lived was taken to form 
a part of the West Dayton Church. In June, 1887, Amos Noffsinger 
with his wife, Fianna Noffsinger, (nee Neidich) was installed in the 
deacon's office. Living on the Germantown pike between Dayton and 
the church, his home became the first stop to the visiting minister and 
was noted for its hospitality. He died November 2, 1909. At the same 
election in 1887 Emanuel Shank with his wife, Alice Shank, (nee Cay- 
lor) was installed in the deacon's office. In June, 1889, he was elected 
to the ministry. Later he moved to Lower Twin Church but returned 
here in 1896. As a preacher he is a ready speaker and good in ex- 
hortation. In March, 1889, Philip Neff with his wife, Anna Neff, (nee 
Swope) was elected deacon. He died December 29, 1907. 

In December, 1893, Jesse O. Garst with his wife, Eliza Garst, (nee 
Huffer) was installed in the deacon's office. At the June council of 
1895 he was elected to the ministry. Since which in addition to his labors 
in his home church, he has done much evangelistic work and served on 
many District Conference committees. Later, in 1895, Daniel Shank 
with his wife, Mary Shank, (nee George), Levi Holler with his wife, 
Jane Holler, (nee Eby) and Frank Palmer with his wife, Caroline Pal- 
mer, (nee Brown) were elected to the deacon's office. June 3, 1897, 
Enoch Hyer was ordained to the eldership by Elder John Smith and 
Jonas Horning. Elder George Holler on account of age now relin- 
quished the oversight of this church in favor of Elder Hyer who began 
his work as Presiding Elder September 2, 1897. Up to October 24, 1900, 
it had always been the custom in this church for one minister to lead 
in prayer and another to close with the Lord's Prayer. To avoid con- 
fusion it was decided that one minister should do both. A few years 
prior to this the old custom of the deacons reading a chapter containing 
the text, before the minister arose to preach, was dispensed with. Sep- 
tember 5, 1912 the long table behind which the ministers sat was 



84 History of the Church of the Brethren 

removed and a modern pulpit built. October 18, 1911, it was decided 
that henceforth the Lower Miami Church should have a preaching ser- 
vice each Lord's Day morning in addition to the evening services. Prior 
to this, as far as can be remembered, the morning services were every 
two weeks. 

This council unintentionally occurred one hundred years after the 
great council held October 18, 1811. June 5, 1902, Emanuel Shank was 
ordained to the eldership and Jesse O. Garst to the second degree by 
Elders John Smith and John Beeghly. June 22, 1905, John S. Noff- 
singer was elected to the ministry. He was a young school teacher, a 
son of Amos Noff singer. He shortly severed his connection with this 
church to go to Bethany, and later became the President of Mt. Morris 
College. At the same meeting Charles Swope with his wife, Alice 
Swope, (nee Hyer) and Jesse Noffsinger with his wife, Flora Noff- 
singer, (nee Dils) were installed in the deacon's office. December 16, 
1908, Jesse Noffsinger was elected to the ministry. He also is a son 
of Amos Noffsinger and is doing good work in the home church. 
March 3, 1910, Bruce Ruble with his wife. Pearl Ruble (nee Stiver) 
and Charles Neff were installed in the deacon's office. Neff's wife, 
Amanda Neff (nee Shank) was installed December 1, 1910. June 2, 
1910, Jesse O. Garst was ordained to the eldership and Jesse Noffsinger 
advanced to the second degree by Elders David Filbrun and John 
Beeghly. March 6, 1913, Elder Enoch Hyer resigned the charge of the 
church on account of age. 

Previous to this the oldest elder was considered the one in charge 
without a time limit. An election was now held and Elder Jesse O. 
Garst was chosen the Presiding Elder for one year. March 5, 1914 he 
was re-elected for two more years. The year of 1915 is remembered 
as a year of growth, twenty-six being added to the church by baptism 
alone. June 3, 1915, Wm. Furry, a deacon, moved in with his wife, 
Blanche Furry, (nee Stull). March 6, 1916, Elder Emanuel Shank was 
elected Presiding Elder for two years. He presided one year then 
moved west of Trotwood. June 6, 1917, Jesse Noffsinger was ordained 
to the eldership by Elders D. F. Warner and John Beeghly. At this 
meeting, Elder Shank resigning, Elders Jesse O. Garst and Jesse Noff- 
singer were elected as associate elders in charge of the church for 
the unexpired term. At this same meeting John M. Garst, a son 
of Elder Jesse O. Garst, was elected to the ministry. John M. Garst 



of the Southern District of Ohio 85 

is a rising young school teacher (then not quite twenty-one years old) 
a graduate of Jefferson Township High School and also the Mont- 
gomery County Normal School. On his mother's side he is a 
direct descendant, five generations back, of Frederick Holler the 
ruling Bishop nearly one hundred years ago. June 6, 1917, Howard 
O, Stebbins with his wife, Emma Stebbins, (nee Shew) and Abraham 
George with his wife, Amelia George, (nee Leis), were elected deacons. 
At a council held March 7, 1918, M. E. Book, a deacon, with his wife, 
Ella Book (nee Beaver), moved in from Iow r a, and was received by 
letter. At this same council the time of the Presiding Elders expiring, 
Jesse O. Garst was elected elder in charge of the church for the next 
two years. The present official board consists of three ministers and 
eight deacons. Though holding his membership here, John M. Garst, 
with his wife, Naomi V. Garst (nee Beery) took up student duties, 
September 9, 1919, at Manchester College. November 27, 1919, M. E. 
Book, a deacon, received his letter, moving to Trot wood. 

Thus briefly is chronicled the history of the oldest church in the 
Miami Valley. Many of its members at present are young people and 
most live near the church house. Elder George Holler was a strong 
exponent of but one central point for preaching. His long rule left 
this impress on this congregation. Lower Miami has had but one 
house of worship all these years. The first as well as the present house 
was built on the same plat of ground at the intersection of the County 
Infirmary road and Germantown pike, being two and one-half miles 
southwest of the Soldiers' Home. Within a radius of one mile and a 
half of the church house in almost any direction, the land is mostly 
owned and resided on by members of the church. Within this sacred 
circle the majority of the one hundred and twenty-five members of 
Lower Miami Church dwell. In later years spasmodic preaching 
efforts have been made at Liberty, The Soldiers' Home, Miamisburg, 
and Montgomery County Infirmary all within her territory, but with- 
out definite results. The Infirmary and Soldiers' Home territory have 
recently been given to the Bear Creek Church. Near the old church 
she reigns supreme, an average attendance at Sunday school of one 
hundred. Further to the east, the north, and the west are seen the off- 
spring of the past century's endeavor in the populous churches located 
in these directions. To the south lies untouched territory for a new 
century of achievement for the Lower Miami Church. 



86 History of the Church of the Brethren 



m m m m m m m 

( Jx?J Up) l^J ly) 19p) I "v 3 ' I'peJ 

(2) 
Bear Creek 

THIS was part of the Lower Miami Church. It was one of the four 
into which that church was divided on October 18, 1811. At that 
time it included the upper western half of Jefferson and 
the eastern part of Jackson Townships, and the spur to the northeast. 
This spur of territory grew and grew until it reached the City of 
Dayton on the east and Wolf Creek on the north, as far west as the 
Union road. Thence an irregular and changing line to the Dayton and 
Western pike. In 1868 the line became fixed. At which time the 
membership may have numbered fifty. Elder David Bowman, Sr., 
was given charge in 1811, with Henry Metzger as a helper in the 
ministry. Leonard Wolf, Joseph Cripe, John Metzger and Philip 
Shank were the deacons. They were mostly Pennsylvania Dutch 
and that was their language. Elder Bowman presided until his 
death April 20, 1860, aged eighty-five years. He was a strong man 
in every way. He was born in Maryland, March 30, 1775 and came 
to Warren County, Ohio, and settled on the Little Miami, near Stone- 
lick in 1796, where he was elected deacon in 1798 and to the ministry 
in 1800. At the beginning of the century he moved to the Great Miami 
Country near the mouth of Bear Creek and became a member of the 
Lower Miami Church at its organization in 1805, being forwarded to 
the second degree of the ministry at that time. His father, John Bow- 
man, was deacon in the church with a very helpful deaconess as a wife. 
After her death in the east he came west and lived with his children 
and in the third decade of the nineteenth century was laid to rest in 
Indiana. Among their descendants are more than fifty preachers and 
scores of deacons in our own brotherhood. 

David Bowman, Jr., youngest son of the Senior Bowman, was 
married to Catherine Bowser. They had two sons in the ministry: 
John J. and Benjamin. He presided over the church from 1860 to 
1879. David Brumbaugh, son-in-law of the Senior Bowman, presided 



of the Southern District of Ohio 87 

one year. He, then, withdrew with a company of brethren and sisters 
and was thus one year in advance of the general Old Order withdrawal 
of 1881. They were received into the Old Order Communion at that 
time. He had taught school and lived to a ripe old age. Elder Isaac 
Bright was elected in 1849 at the same time of Elder David Brumbaugh 
and presided from 1880 to his death in 1889, assisted by Elder John 
Smith until 1886. Then Elder John Bowman, a grandson of Elder D. 
Bowman, Sr., assisted him. 

After Elder Bright's death, Elder Smith was given charge of the 
church from 1889 to 1899, when Elder John W. Beeghly presided with 
marked ability until the present with the exception of one year when 
he was in Florida. Elder Josiah Eby presided that year. These were 
all descendants of the Deacon John Bowman, except Elder Isaac 
Bright and he was a cousin. Later another Elder, Parker Filbrun, 
ordained in 1916, has become quite useful in the church. He is a 
great, great, grandson of the Senior Bishop. Thus for over a century 
this church has been under the supervision of the Bowman family. 
This caused it to be known to many for a number of years as the 
"Bowman Church." Other ministers who assisted and lived here, 
were Elder Henry Metzger, who came from Pennsylvania in 1811 
and died about 1859 or 60, Elder Peter Nead wfro lived here, taught 
school and preached when he came from Virginia in 1848. David 
Ullery, Gotleip Keller, George Sala and Conrad Brumbaugh all came 
from Indiana, and save the last, all moved back to Indiana again. 
George Sala was born in Miami County, Ohio, taught school in Ohio 
and Indiana, and was elected to the ministry before his marriage, 
preached in several churches during his career in Indiana and in this 
church from 1860-64. He did much to build up the Prairie Church, 
Indiana. He died July 8, 1895, aged sixty-three years. 

Elder Jacob Garber was elected in 1863 and moved to Wolf Creek 
in 1867. Elder George Garver, a deacon, moved here in 1869, was 
elected to the ministry in 1870, and moved back into the Lower Still- 
water Church in 1872. Nicholas Brubaker came as a minister in 1871, 
and died March 3, 1878. He had served in the ministry with much 
acceptance for twenty-two years. Elder Isaac Hyer moved here in 
1873 and died near the time that Brother Brubaker did. Elder 
George Miller who served as a deacon for years was called to the min- 
istry in 1875. He went with the Old Orders. March 25, 1880, J. W. 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Bear Creek Church (New House). 




Bear Creek Church (Old House). 



of the Southern District of Ohio 89 

Fitzgerald, a minister, who became very active in this church for a few 
years, moved here from Darke County. He was born in Scott County, 
Kentucky, in 1839. He was called to the ministry in West Virginia 
in 1869. His family lineage was quite prominent, as a relationship 
could be traced to Lord Fitzgerald of Ireland. The spirit of leadership 
was doubtless inherited, as he easily became the leader of the Progres- 
sive element in the Bear Creek Church, which culminated in his with- 
drawal, taking a number of the members with him into the Progressive 
fold. He was probably the first preacher assisted to any extent finan- 
cially in this church. 

David Oliver was elected to the ministry in 1882 and died in 1904. 
Christian Detwiler served a short time in the early 80's. Daniel M. 
Garver was elected to the ministry in 1884 and moved to Lower Twin 
in 1889. John W. Beeghly was elected to the ministry in 1887 and 
Josiah Eby in 1889. Henry Eby came in 1907 to his boyhood's church 
as a minister and was ordained here in 1911. Llis second wife is a 
daughter of Elder Jacob Garber. She is mother also to Parker Filbrun, 
who was elected to the ministry in 1909. Granville Minnich with his 
wife, Sarah Neher Minnich, (nee Shellaberger) was a minister in this 
church before the Trotwood organization. In 1898 William Swinger 
with his wife, Ester E. Swinger, (nee Stoner) was elected to the minis- 
try here and became part of the Trotwood Church. Earl Neff with 
his wife, Ada Neff, (nee Eby) was elected to the ministry in 1906 and 
gave promise of much usefulness, went to one of our mission points 
and did well. Ivan Erbaugh with his wife, Delia Erbaugh, (nee 
Shank) was elected to the ministry in 1916, is now in Bethany Bible 
School. Elder Cyrus Bantz moved in to this church in 1916 and A 
W. Oren was here awhile. These latter two were elected to the 
ministry in Tennessee. Alva Richards with his wife, Clara Richards, 
(nee Sharp) was elected to the ministry September 2, 1919. 

Many of the above served as deacons. The following also served 
in that important office : John Metzger, Christian Shively, Leonard 
Wolf, John Forney, John Brumbaugh, 1849, Samuel Arnold, 1852, 
with his wife, Hannah Arnold, (nee Wolf), Benjamin Metzger, 1860, 
with his wife, Anna Metzger, (nee TrisseD, John Beeghly, 1863, with 
his wife, Susan Beeghly, (nee Garber), David Shively, Newton Klep- 
inger, 1877, with his wife, Sarah Klepinger, (nee Wolf), Joseph 
Beeghly, 1881, with his wife, Sarah Beeghly, (nee Miller), Ben- 



90 History of the Church of the Brethren 

jamin Shock, 1883, with his wife, Rhoda Shock, (nee Wineland), 
Samuel Erbaugh, 1882, with his wife, Barbara Erbaugh, (nee Book- 
waiter), Noah Eby, with his wives, Elizabeth and Sarah Eby, (nee 
Vaniman and Brumbaugh), Daniel Vaniman, 1887, with his wife, 
Laura Vaniman, (nee Bookwalter), Joseph Haines, 1886, with his wife, 
Mary Haines, (nee Pfeifer), Peter Neff, 1898, with his wife, Sarah 
Neff, (nee Cripe), Emanuel Blosser, 1880, with his wife, Elizabeth 
Blosser, (nee Culp), John Blessing, 1891, Samuel Vaniman, 1898, with 
his wives, Alice and Laura Vaniman, (nee Wogoman and Minnich), 
William Gilbert, 1882, with his wife, Saloma Gilbert, (nee Priser), 
Albert Teeter, 1911, John Koons, 1911, with his wife, Hettie Koons, 
(nee Garber), William Furry, 1912, with his wife, Blanche Furry, (nee 
Stull), Noah Mowry, 1913, with his wife, Ella Nora Mowry, (nee 
Hay), Aaron Lentz, 1906, with his wife, Laura Lentz, (nee Erbaugh), 
Clem Heck, 1918, with his wife, Ada Heck, (nee Heeter), and Joseph 
Long 1918, with his wife, Mary Long, (nee Orth). 

The first house of worship was built in 1838 on Little Bear Creek. 
This was superseded by a house with a basement, the first one in the 
Miami Valley. This was built in 1859. Elder John Smith preached 
the last sermon in this house March 17, 1909. Elder Jacob Garber's 
funeral was the last funeral held in it. Thus the body of one of the 
main builders was carried in the church house fifty years after its erec- 
tion and but a few days before it was dismantled. The "basement" 
and "backs to seats" questions perplexed the church considerably at 
this time. Many felt they were departures from the simplicity of the 
gospel. This was replaced by the present modern edifice dedicated 
May 1910, costing about $11,000. 

This church also assisted the Wolf Creek Church in holding meet- 
ings in the New Lebanon house from the 50's to the 80's. It also 
helped to hold services at Stillwater Junction since the 80's. Its terri- 
tory was never large, not being over ten miles in any direction. The 
preaching was nearly altogether in the German language until 1850. 
Then there was a gradual decline until its final disuse about 1880. 
Some of the most devoted thought it a serious departure to use the 
English. This church was the childhood home of Elders John Metzger, 
Daniel Vaniman, Daniel P. Shively, and hosts of others. The Sunday 
school has an average attendance of one hundred and eighteen and the 
church numbers one hundred and fifty-five members. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 91 



m 



(3) 
Lower Stillwater 

THIS is one of the four churches formed out of the original Lower 
Miami by the Virginia Committee, October 18, 1811. Many of its 
members had been charter members of the original organizations 
in 1805, such as the Millers, Bowsers, Cripes, Ullerys, Wagners, Wolfs, 
etc. These with others arriving in the intervening time formed a mem- 
bership of about fifty. The southern and western boundaries originally 
were the Dayton and Western turnpike and the Union road, but the 
Metzgers, Shivelys, Ulrichs (Ullerys) and Cripes, in the southern 
part of the territory were affiliated more with the Bear Creek terri- 
tory and so were ceded to that church. It will be remembered that 
there were no such direct highways as now nor commodious church 
houses to form community centers. 

These sturdy "Frankstowners" from Pennsylvania were somewhat 
"clannish" and "held together" in forming new settlements. They 
were of a hardy race and ready for any "big job" when it came to 
physical achievements. The hospitable and comfortable homes they 
carved out of the huge forest trees "by hand" were monuments to their 
skill and untiring labor. Some of these houses are still remembered 
with the immense "girders" supporting the second floors which were 
fitted up for meeting services or "versamlung" assembly, "together 
coming." To these meetings they came on foot or horse back, often 
riding double. The brethren wore the low crowned broad brimmed 
beaver felt hats of those days. The sisters were clad in garments of 
somber hues begotten of their surroundings. 

The busy housewives largely supplied the clothing from the backs 
of the sheep and flax from the fields, all "home-spun" and "hand- 
made." Their devotions in German songs were from "Psalters-phiel" 
and largely in Minor Keys, but their devotion went up from devoted 
hearts in such assemblies. Strange to think that after a quarter cen- 
tury of toil in clearing up farms the "wanderlust" should have again 



92 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 93 

seized this people. But an exodus began in 1828 when Elder Daniel 
Cripe and others emigrated to northern Indiana, Elder Gripe being the 
first settler to turn a furrow on Elkhart Prairie. The same year a 
company of Ullerys and Shivelys settled along Wild Cat and Deer 
Creek, Indiana. John Metzger went with another company in 1834 
to the same region. The last general movement to Indiana was about 
1852 when other Shivelys, Bowsers, and Myers went to Miami County, 
Indiana, settling on Pipe Creek. Among them as boys went Elder D. 
P. Shively and Daniel Bowser. The names of these pioneers from 
Ohio are still perpetuated in the western regions. May their virtues 
be emulated as well. 

The south line of Lower Stillwater was finally established along 
the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad from Trotwood, south-east to 
what is now called Gettysburg Avenue ; thence south a half mile, and 
east to Miami River. This detour was made to include the lands of 
an early settler who needs more than passing mention. Upon a marble 
slab erected in the family cemetery on this farm this inscription 
appears : 

"Daniel Miller, Sr. 
Emigrated from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, 1804, to this 
place where he died January 24, 1849. 
Aged 83 years, 8 Months, 19 Days." 
His wife, Susan, was a sister of Elder David Bowman, Sr. She died 
December 10, 1851. When they landed at Dayton its oldest house 
had been built eight years. They made their way up Wolf Creek Val- 
ley by the men going ahead and cutting away trees and vines for pas- 
sage and taking possession of Section 30, three miles west of Dayton, 
but now adjoining the corporation. The encroachment of the city 
caused the removal of their remains to Fort McKinley, where their 
monuments now stand. 

They raised to maturity four sons, namely: Benjamin, (Elizabeth 
Bowser), Daniel, (Susan Oliver), John, (Anna Wingart Sollenberger), 
Joseph, (Catherine Funderburg), and seven daughters: Mary, who 
married Samuel Ullery and died leaving a daughter, Susan, who mar- 
ried David Beeghly. Elizabeth married Moses Shonp of Beaver Creek 
Church, Susan married Joseph Etter, Esther married Isaac Long, Mar- 
garet married Abraham Denlinger, Sr., Catherine married Jacob Wolf, 
Sarah married John Denlinger, Sr. The "wanderlust" of Daniel 



94 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Miller's family seems to have been satisfied when he located in this 
goodly land, as is evidenced by the completeness with which his 
numerous posterity have possessed the present lower Wolf Creek 
Valley. Emigration had no charms for them. They have quite a 
list of ministers and deacons in their progeny. The Annual Meet- 
ing of 1884 was held on their farm — Miller's Crossing. 

Elder Jehu or John Burkett was the first elder of Lower Still- 
water, assisted by David Ulrich. Elder Burkett came from North Caro- 
lina in 1809 and located just north of the present village of Trotwood, 
and is buried in a now neglected cemetery on land once owned by him. 
Of his family one son, John, went to northern Indiana and located five 
miles northwest of Goshen, becoming ancestor of the Burketts of that 
region. He was succeeded by Elder Joseph Garber, the youngest of a 
family of five preachers : Martin, Samuel, Daniel, and Abraham. In 
1814 the Hyres from North Carolina located here and have given 
several ministers to the brotherhood, among whom was Isaac Hyre, 
who was elected to the deaconship in 1852 and to the ministry in 1860 
moving to Dayton in 1873. In 1826 David Wampler, deacon, of Mary- 
land but later of Stark County, Ohio, located here and was followed 
next year by his son, Philip, who located on Stillwater bottoms and 
later was elected to the ministry and eldership. In 1850 Elder Peter 
Nead located near the present Happy Corner Church. He soon became 
the Presiding Elder continuing till his death in 1877. Elder Abraham 
Flory then presided until his connection in 1881 with the Old Order 
movement. From this time Elder John Smith presided until his res- 
ignation in 1901. Elder L. A. Bookwalter was then chosen as Bishop 
continuing until the present time with the exception of a short interval 
occupied by B. F. Honeyman in 1915-16. 

The following ministers also served the church. Elder Jacob 
Wolf, born and reared on Wolf Creek and elected to the deaconship 
in 1835, to the ministry in 1840. He was ordained in 1850 and died 
in 1859. Elder Israel Brower came from Lower Twin in 1868 and 
moved to Lower Miami in 1872. He was known as the weeping 
preacher. Samuel Kinsey, his wife, Barbara, daughter of Elder Peter 
Nead, was a deacon for a number of years, hymn writer, editor of 
Vindicator, (monthly paper contending for the old paths and order, 
and which afterward became the organ of the Old Order Church). 
He was elected to the ministry in 1870. George Garver came as a 



of the Southern District of Ohio 95 

minister in 1872 and was ordained in 1881, serving till his death, 
April 29, 1889. William Klepinger, deacon in 1863, was elected to the 
ministry in 1881, ordained in 1892, and died March 12, 1910. Samuel 
Hoover Avas elected to the ministry August 16, 1882, and transferred 
to the West Dayton Church in 1889. Alfred Klepinger was elected to 
the ministry in 1898 and ordained in 1909. W. W. Barnhart was 
elected to the ministry in November, 1892. His wife, Emma, was a 
daughter of Elder John Smith. Elder David Stutsman came from 
East Dayton Church and served here during several intermissions, 
changing his membership but not his location. A. W. Oren came here 
in 1903. He is faithful in his calling, and was ordained in 1912. 
Elder C. M. Bantz was here a. while. Daniel J. Wampler was elected 
to the ministry in 1898 and soon went to North Manchester and then 
to other churches, landing in Idaho where he is earnestly at work. 
Others who have served faithfully here in later years are : Harvey 
Miller, Joseph Free, B. F. Honeyman and Hugh L. Cloppert. 

The following deacons served here : Leonard Wolf became a dea- 
con in 1803, Benjamin Miller, Samuel Puterbaugh, William Stoner, 
Daniel Miller, John Denlinger, David Cripe, Moses Ullery, Henry 
Klepinger, Moses Miller, Abraham Sanger, David Miller, Henry 
Stoner, George Mumma, A. W. Shafer, George F. Rover, Frank Etter, 
O. C. Denlinger, I. C. Whitehead, Harvey Engle and Ora Diehl. 

This congregation seems to have been the first to erect a house of 
worship in the Miami Valley. It was built of logs in 1818 and tradi- 
tion relates, located on Section 2, Madison township, near the present 
crossing of Ohio Electric and C. H. & D. Railroad. However, Deed 
Book M. Page 435 records of Montgomery County, states that on 
October 7, 1828, Adam Rodabaugh and his wife, Susanna, for the sum 
of $10.00 "lawful money in hand paid" sold and conveyed to William 
Brombaugh, David Wampler, Jacob Waybright, John Ehrstine, Samuel 
Buterbaugh and Jacob Studybaker, Trustees of the German Baptist 
Church, two acres of ground, the boundaries of which began and ended 
at a certain "Myry Spring." This was in Southeast quarter, Section 
12, about a mile east of the traditional first church. Here a frame 
house was erected later, and about 1857 replaced by one of brick. This 
burned when about ready for occupancy. Then a new location was 
sought. John Denlinger, Abraham Miller, Daniel Miller, Joseph Mil- 
ler, David Ocks and John Smith, as trustees, conveyed the above two 



96 History of the Church of the Brethren 

acres by the "Myry Spring" to Jacob B. Wolf for $500, on February 
25, 1859. This seems to have proved a good investment. 

The new location which had been made and church erected is the 
site of the present Fort McKinley Church, for which land the above 
named trustees received a deed from Jacob H. Mumma and his wife, 
Susan, April 17, 1860. Attest : L. R. Pfoutz, J. P. With the locating 
of Elder Peter Nead in the upper part of the district came interest in 
another house of worship. Deed book B 4, Page 446 states that July 
15, 1853, Jacob Spitler and Susan Spitler for the sum of $1 in hand 
paid by the Old Dunkard Baptist Church, have bargained and sold 
and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and convey unto said 
Church for their sole use, accommodation, satisfaction, convenience 
and enjoyment, three-fourths of an acre of ground, etc. Here a brick 
church was built and became designated as the Upper house; later, 
Happy Corner. This was demolished by windstorm in 1875, and a 
large new frame replaced it the same year. The building committee 
were : S. W. Hoover, Samuel Kinsey, David Royer, Aaron Ullerv, 
Martin Miller and Jacob Kinsey. Elias Lutz, of Taylorsburg, was con- 
tractor. In 1896 a basement was added, and later, modern improvements 
have been made until the old style model 44 x 74 has 'become the pres- 
ent convenient Happy Corner House of Lower Stillwater Church. In 
1888 Sunday school began in this church with Elders John Smith and 
L. A. Bookwalter as first superintendents. 

At a special council April 3, 1889, that part of the territory and 
membership in and near Dayton were relinquished to become part of 
the W r est Dayton Church soon to be organized. At a special council 
April 13, 1898, a deed was read from Sister Sidney Pfoutz conveying 
three-fourths acre of land at Trotwood for the erection of a Brethren 
church. Stipulation of two years time for raising funds for building 
was made and reversion of title in case of failure. This church was built 
in 1899. This led to a further relinquishment of territory and members 
and the organization of the Trotwood Church. 

Services continued to alternate between Upper House and Lower 
House, or "Happy Corner" and "Poor Hook." The growing com- 
munity around Fort McKinley requiring more direct attention, a peti- 
tion was presented to council in the spring of 1911 praying for a sep- 
arate organization. The request was granted and the organization of 
Fort McKinley Church resulted. August 14, 1918, Jesse E. Bookwalter, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 97 

son of Elder L. A. Bookwalter, and Harley J. Brooks were elected to 
the ministry. They are attending Manchester College. Now after an 
organization of over one hundred years, relinquishing much of her 
original territory for the good of others, Lower Stillwater lives, in 1919, 
with a membership of one hundred and twenty and a live Sunday 
school with an average attendance of eighty-four, and four ministers, 
two elders, and five deacons. A field of opportunity is at her door. 



m m m m m m m 

L9e ' l^gJ LseJ (fi He J I "p > Lie; 

(4) 

Trotwood 

THE Trotwood Church, six miles northwest of Dayton, Ohio, em- 
braces the village of Trotwood and nine square miles of con- 
tiguous territory. It is three miles square, with a spur on the 
southeast. It is approximately the center of Madison township, and with 
the entire township was in a large part, if not the major part, settled 
by Brethren who came from Pennsylvania between the years 1802 and 
1812. These early settlers largely used the Pennsylvania Dutch lan- 
guage. 

A grist mill was completed here in 1826 by Amos Higgins. Hig- 
gins Station was established in 1853. A business house was 'built by 
L. R. Foutz in 1854, a blacksmith shop was opened and the village of 
Trotwood sprang into existance. Members moved in to engage in 
business, others to live a retired life, but there was no Brethren church 
in the township. There were houses just across the line in each 
of the adjoining townships so the members and citizens of Trot- 
wood felt impressed to have a church house of their own. The 
thought or wish was father to the deed, and in 1899 the Trotwood 
house was built. This was improved and enlarged in 1906 and 
again in 1912. 

This house was under the control of the Lower Stillwater 
Church but was largely built by a popular subscription of the members 
and friends who live in and about Trotwood. The cause prospered from 



98 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 99 

the beginning-. The Sunday school flourished, and the meetings grew 
in size and interest. A desire for a separate organization was mani- 
fested. Three churches centered in the village, the Lower Stillwater, 
Wolf Creek and Bear Creek. All consented to organize a new district 
and on March 28, 1906, the Trotwood Church began with one hun- 
dred and twenty members. Elder John Calvin Bright was chairman 
of the meeting, John G. Kuns, secretary. Elders present were Jesse 
Stutsman, Levi Bookwalter, Samuel Llorning, George Erbaugh, John 
W. Beeghly and Alfred Klepinger. Elder John Smith was chosen 
Presiding Elder, John G. Kuns, secretary, Samuel Vaniman, treasurer, 
Jacob Kuns, Grant Stoner and A. W. Shafer, trustees. 

The ministers residing in the territory of the church were Elder 
John Smith, Granville Minnich and William Swinger. The deacons 
were William Mumma, with his wife, Martha Garber Mumma, (nee 
Kinsel), A. W. Shafer with his wife, Mary Shafer, (nee Heckman), 
Samuel Yaniman with his wife, Alice Vaniman, (nee Wogoman), and 
Joseph Haines with his wife, Mary LIaines(nee Pfeifer). Elder 
Smith accepted the oversight of the church for one year, but later 
by consent of the church, called Elder L. A. Bookwalter to assist him. 
Elder Bookwalter was chosen in 1907 to preside over the church and 
was continued each year until 1909, when Elder D. M. Garver of the 
Lower Twin congregation located in Trotwood by the unanimous re- 
quest of the church. He was then and every year since named as 
their Presiding Elder. Elder C. M. Bantz came in 1905 from Ten- 
nessee and labored faithfully, moving into the vicinity of Bear Creek 
Church in 1916. Granville Minnich lived here from 1900 to 1909 and 
again from 1915 to 1917. William Swinger was ordained here Novem- 
ber 21, 1914. Norman Conover with his wife, Artie Conover, (nee 
Sollenberger) was elected to the ministry September 27, 1911, advanced 
March 25, 1914 and shortly after located at Circleville Ohio, as a 
missionary. July 21. 1908, Gran Whitehead, with his wife, Bertha 
Whitehead, (nee Eby) and Thomas Karns, with his wife, Dora Karns, 
(nee Bowman) were elected deacons. Elder Emanuel Shank became 
a member of this church in 1917 and Charles Neff, a deacon, came 
also. Frank Eby was elected to the ministry here September 24, 1919. 

The Trotwood Church is alive to the various interests of the 
Brotherhood. She has at times given more to our missionary contri- 
bution at our Annual Conference than other churches. She has 



ICO 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Ft. McKinley Church (Old House). 




Ft. McKinley Church (New House). 



of the Southern District of Ohio 101 

arranged to support in the Foreign Field, Sister Elizabeth Overholtzer, 
(nee Weybright), one of her own children. Elder D. M. Garver 
was chosen pastor in l c )18. The Sunday school has an average attend- 
ance of one hundred and nineteen and the church numbers one hundred 
and seventv-five members. 



(5) 

Ft. McKinley 

THIS church is part of the earliest settlement and first church on 
the Great Miami, the Lower Miami Church. When it was di- 
vided in 1811, this part was called Lower Stillwater, and now a 
modern name, after the village, and further back to the latest of the 
Ohio martyred presidents. Some of the charter members of the new 
organization had parents in the former charter and grandparents in 
the older charter list. Deacon Leonard Wolf, of the first church had 
a son, Elder Jacob Wolf of the second, and he, a great granddaughter 
in this organization, H. W. Holler's wife. This church borders on the 
northwest limits of Dayton. It reaches to the borders of Trotwood, 
Lower Stillwater and Middle District. It is in fact the southern part 
of the old Lower Stillwater Church. It was granted to the resident mem- 
bers by a petition to said church. On March 9, 1911, this church was 
organized. Elder D. M. Garver was chairman and Elder J. W. Beeghly, 
secretary. Elder John Smith who had been a lifelong member and 
had presided over this old church for more than a score of years, was 
present. 

They chose Ft. McKinley as the name of this church. Elder Alfred 
Klepinger was chosen for Presiding Elder for one year. He is of the 
Bowman descent and has been re-elected each year up to December 11, 
1918, since when Elder D. M. Garver presides. George F. Mumma was 
elected secretary. Elder David C. Stutsman had his membership in 
this church and is still an active worker. On March 23, 1911, W. J. Kel- 
ler and H. W. Holler were elected deacons. September 27, 1911 



102 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Samuel Bowser, with his wife, Laura Bowser, (nee Vance) was elected 
deacon. On July 10, 1912, Jesse Coy, with his wife, Daisy Coy, (nee 
Ginaven) was elected deacon, and H. W. Holler, to the ministry, 
January 10, 1912. Henry Klepinger, with his wife, Elizabeth Klep- 
inger, (nee Miller) and David S. Miller, with his wife, Elizabeth Miller, 
(nee Garber) had been in the deacon's service for years in this vi- 
cinity but both of these deacons died prior to organization. George 
F. Mumma who was elected October 23, 1907, was the only deacon 
at that time. His wife was Sarah E. Denlinger. In 1913 the old 
church house was taken down and a most convenient and commo- 
dious temple erected the same year, on the same site at a cost of 
$14,000, with a seating capacity of six hundred. Elder John Smith 
conducted the last service in the old house, himself and two others being 
the sole survivors of the dedicatory service by Peter Nead, October, 
1857. On December 10, 1913, H. W. Holler was advanced in the 
ministry. On September 29, 1914, \Y. J. Keller was elected to the 
ministry. On March 10, 1915, Ora Diehl, with his wife, Susie Diehl, 
(nee Beeghly) was elected to the deaconship but later moved to Lower 
Stillwater Church. The following have moved into this church terri- 
tory since the organization : two ministers, Earl C. Nef f and Hugh L. 
Cloppert, also the following deacons, Ora W. Whitehead, with his wife, 
Bertha Whitehead, (nee Eby), J. Peter Neff, with his wife, Sarah 
Neff, (nee Cripe), Jesse E. Albert, with his wife, Katie Albert (nee 
Wogoman). The Sunday school has an average attendance of eighty- 
four and the church now numbers one hundred and forty-five mem- 
bers. 



m m m m m m m 

L °gJ (<=)?; j °*° ) ( <*> ) LqpJ Ifx?) IfgJ 

(6) 

Wolf Creek 

THE Wolf Creek Church includes the northwestern part of Mont- 
gomery and the northeastern part of Preble counties. In its final 
form from 1860 till its division into two churches it included 
territory of about ten miles north and south and twelve miles east and 



of the Southern District of Ohio 103 

west. Its first members bought the land from the Government. The 
Cripes, Kuns, and Florys were a part of the Lower Miami Church 
organization in 1805. On October 18, 1811 this church was set to it- 
self by the Virginia Conference and at that time embraced all the ter- 
ritory north of the Dayton and Eaton road and west of Stillwater and 
Union road. The membership mostly resided in the west half of Madi- 
son Township with a few in Perry and Randolph townships. In time 
a large part of Madison was given to Bear Creek and Lower Stillwater 
churches, and on the west the territory of Perry was nearly all given to 
Wolf Creek Church, and that of Clay Township the southern half 
reaching out to Twin in the northern part of Preble County. 

The church was under the care of Elder Daniel Cripe from the 
organization in 1811 to 1828. He was assisted by D. Ulrich and Jacob 
Shively in the ministry, and two of his brothers in the deaconship, and 
Martin Weybright and Joseph Flory. Emanuel Flory presided from 
1828 to 1830. Michael Landis from 1830 to 1833. David Bowman, Sr., 
from 1833 to 1836, Samuel Pfoutz from 1836 to 1843, Christian 
Arnold from 1843 to 1855, all these preached in the German language 
mostly. Abraham Erbaugh from 1855 to 1872, Joel Wogoman from 
1872 to 1878, preaching in both languages ; Samuel Garber from 1878 
to 1881; Jacob Garber from 1881 to 1897; John Calvin Bright from 
1897 to 1910. 

The following brethren also lived and preached here : Elder 
Samuel Murray elected here in 1843, moved to Indiana in 1851 ; Samuel 
Bock in 1855 to 1865, moved to Indiana ; Stephen Miller in the 60's, 
moved to Kansas ; Ezra Gilbert came from Maryland in the 60's and 
moved to Preble County, Ohio ; John Wrightsman moved here from 
Tennessee during the Civil War and died a few years later ; John Kim- 
mel, with his wife, Mary Kimmel, (nee Miller), a deacon, elected to 
the ministry in 1872 and in 1881 went with the Old Orders ; Henry 
Garber, with his wife, Abba Garber, (nee Arnold), was elected to the 
ministry 1879 and in 1881 went with the Old Orders. Conrad Brum- 
baugh, 1879-1881. He had long labored in the ministry in Indiana. 
He went with the Old Orders. Simon Mikesell 1880 to 1882 went 
with the Progressives. Samuel Horning, with his wife, Anna Horn- 
ing, (nee Eversole) and George Erbaugh, his wife, Mary Ann Er- 
baugh, (nee Hay) 1882 until the division of territory. They were 
ordained in 1901. J. Homer Bright was called to the ministry 



104 History of the Church of the Brethren 

at the same time. Brethren J. W. Fidler, his wife, Ollie Fidler, 
(nee Mishler) and S. A. Blessing, his wife, Anna Blessing, (nee Klep- 
inger) were ministers in the second degree in 1904. Brother Calvin 
McNelly who formerly resided here moved back in 1905 ; he then 
shortly joined the United Brethren. Brother Fidler was ordained in 
1907. Brethren Joseph P. Robbins, his wife, Amanda Robbins, (nee 
Myers) and Noah Beery, his wife, Eliza Beery, (nee Bowman) were 
elected in 1908. All of the above served in the deacon's office save the 
last six. 





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Wolf Creek Church (Old House). 

The following brethren served in the deaconship : Martin Wey- 
bright, John Cripe, Joseph Cripe, Joseph Flory, David Saylor, 
Christian Kinsey, (first deacon in Wolf Creek) Jacob Musselman, 
John Arnold, Henry Heeter, his wife, Hannah Heeter, (nee Vaniman), 
Joseph Arnold, John Ruse, his wife, Elizabeth Ruse, (nee Kuntz), 
David Hull, his wife, Mary Hull, (nee Crull), Jacob Kinsey, Abra- 
ham, Graybill, Isaac Erbaugh, his wife, Margaret Erbaugh, (nee 
Bowser), David Kimmel, John Kimmel, his wife, Mary Kimrnel, (nee 
Miller), Daniel Kreider, Fliram Whiting, his wife, Elizabeth Whiting, 
(nee Grossnickle), A. P. Erbaugh, his wife, Sarah Erbaugh, (nee 
Martin), Jacob Kimmel, his wives, Nancy Kimmel and Sarah Kim- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 105 



mel, (nee Garber and Ditmer), Emanuel Brumbaugh, his wife, Hettie 
Brumbaugh, (nee Shively,) William Gilbert, his wife, Saloma Gilbert, 
(nee Priser), Noah Eby, his wife, Elizabeth Eby, (nee Vaniman), 
Henry Stoner, his wife, Sarah Stoner (nee Hyer), Daniel Kinsel, his 
wives, Elizabeth and Elizabeth Kinsel, (nee Brumbaugh and Dafler,) 
S. A. Erbaugh, his wife, Barbara Erbaugh, (nee Bookwalter), Samuel 
B. Garber, his wife, Laura Garber, (nee Eversole), George Petry, 
Amza Hay, his wife, Dora Hay, (nee Wrightman), Chester Cooper, his 
wife, Abba Cooper, (nee Garber,) Monroe Snider, his wife, Rebecca 
Snider, (nee Durnbaugh) and Robert Wolford, his wife, Mary Wol- 
ford, (nee Bucklew). 

John Arnold was elected to the ministry in 1832, but as he could 
not read he asked to be excused and said he was willing to serve in the 
deaconship. This was granted in 1836 when his brother, Squire C. 
Arnold, was elected to the ministry. Elder David Bowman, Sr., was the 
only non-resident elder. 

This church suffered considerably from divisions. In 1831 to 1833 
Elder Michael Landis with some ministers of the nearby churches 
caused a division. Landis came from eastern Pennsylvania as an 
ordained elder. He was baptized in 1819, elected in 1822 and ordained 
in 1826. 

The later division was the Old Order Brethren of which as well 
as of the former there is a separate chapter. Their leader lived here. 

The first extended series of meetings were held February 19-26, 
1882 by Elder James Quinter. Sound doctrine that could not be refuted 
was preached in demonstration of the Spirit and in power, uniting the 
members together with the bond of perfectness so necessary after wit- 
nessing the Old Order trouble of the previous year and anticipating 
the Progressive development. It was a most successful meeting. In 1886 
the first Sunday school in this church was organized. In the same year 
the church unanimously concluded to go back to the single mode of feet- 
washing and the Lord's Supper on the table, according to the example 
and teaching of the Master and the inspired pattern in that "Upper 
Chamber." 

For the first twenty-five years the meetings were held in the 
houses and barns and forests. In 1837 the first meeting house was built 
in the center of the district. This was enlarged in 1856 with kitchen at- 
tachment. In 1870 this was superseded by building the large meeting 



106 History of the Church of the Brethren 

house across the road. The Eversole house was built in 1872. In 1886 
Wolf Creek and Salem Churches built a church in Arlington on the 
line between the two churches. Part of the Wolf Creek territory was 
ceded to Trotwood in 1904. In 1905 a house was purchased of the 
United Brethren in Brookville. The Wolf Creek Church now had four 
houses within a distance of eight miles all in the same longitude. As 
there were few members near the central house and the Brookville 
house only one and one-half miles away, sentiment began to grow 
toward a division of the district. 

The Wolf Creek Church had now been in existence ninety-nine 
years, the first twenty-six years without a meeting house. And some 
of the families held meetings at their homes for twenty-five years 
longer. The most notable farm house built for such meetings still in 
existence is the old Hay Home, now owned by Greely Pfoutz, where 
the Annual Meeting of 1862, and the Special Meetings of 1835 and 
1840 or 44, were held. (See picture of this house.) 

The Wolf Creek Church agreed to separate and became two 
churches August 25, 1910. That the line between the two divisions, 
that the disposition of the four houses, and that everything be 
agreed to by two-thirds vote and that nothing be considered fully 
decided until everything was satisfactorily understood, were the basis 
upon which the work was undertaken. Each church was to have an 
equal right to the large central house for five years for communions, 
etc., unless mutually agreed to build sooner. Each had houses of wor- 
ship and a corps of officers and soon met and organized for the new 
church. A most spiritual communion meeting was enjoyed in the fall of 
1910 and, after ninety-nine years of earnest labor, her work was done 
and the children — Brookville and Eversole soon organized— took up 
the work and responsibilities with their mother's blessing and mantle 
resting peacefully upon them. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 107 



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UpJ Up) (<*>) Lip; lie, l^eJ Up; 

(7) 

Brookville 

THE Brookville Church was organized and named, November 2, 
1910, with) Elders Levi A. Bookwalter, chairman, and William 
Minnich, secretary. Presiding Elder, D. M. Garver, one 

year ; Monroe Snider, secretary ; Emanuel Brumbaugh, treasurer ; one 
resident minister, Joseph P. Robbins ; six deacons, Jacob Kim- 
mel, Emanuel Brumbaugh, D. L. Kinsel, George Petry, Amza 
Hay, and Monroe Snider. November, 1911, Elder John Calvin 
Bright moved in by wish of the church who promised him a house, rent 
free, and some further support without his request. He presided over 
the church one year. Elder John W. Fidler moved here in the spring of 
1912 and was chosen elder in November, which position he still holds 
by annual choice of the church. On August 28, 1912, Deacon Frank 
Palmer moved in. On same date Brother Reuben Boomershine was 
called to the ministry and Ezra Kimmel to the deaconship. I. C. White- 
head, deacon, came May 27, 1914. Omer Maphis was elected to the 
ministry August 25, 1914. He later took up the work at the Springfield 
mission. 

In the fall of 1917 the church engaged Elder J. W. Fidler as pas- 
tor agreeing to give a liberal support. On May 24, 1911 two lots ad- 
joining the old church lot were bought for the purpose of providing 
a place for the erection of a new church house. December 19, 1915, the 
new house was dedicated. Elder J. W. Lear of Illinois had charge of 
the services. The new house is modern in all its appointments, having 
an audience room (40x60), nine Sunday-school rooms, a gallery 
( 18x40) besides other rooms and a well equipped basement. The build- 
ing cost about $14,000. On August 28, 1918 Ralph Hatton, his wife, 
Naomi Hatton, (nee Brumbaugh) and Ray Shank, his wife, Beulah 
Shank, (nee Kreider), were called to the ministry. The church numbers 
now (1919) two hundred and fifty members and has an average at- 



108 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 109 

tendance at Sunday school of one hundred and fifty-seven. The church 
is alert to its opportunities. 

m m m m m m m 

(8) 
Eversole 

THE Eversole Church was organized on the second Thursday of 
November, 1910, with Elder J. W. Beeghly, chairman, Charles 
Flory, secretary. Elder Samuel Horning, Presiding Elder for 
two years ; Ambrose Lanclis, secretary ; and Alger Erbaugh, treasurer. 
Other ministers were Elders George Erbaugh, John Calvin Bright, 
John J. Bowman, and Xoah V. Beery. Deacons, Samuel B. Garber and 
Samuel Erbaugh. The territory is ten miles west of Dayton, north of 
the Dayton and Eaton pike. It embraces forty square miles of territory, 
one hundred and fifty-eight members, and the property valuation of the 
membership of $178,000. 

The Diehls, Hornings, Hepners, Wogomans, Gilberts, Eversoles, 
Erbaughs, Garbers, Prisers, Brumbaughs, Earnsts, Hulls, and Hays 
occupied this land for several decades. They formed a strong moral, 
spiritual, industrious base around which a strong body clustered. The 
members grew in numbers and strength. The Diehl family were mem- 
bers of the church all through its history of one hundred and twenty 
years. Jacob Diehl, Sr., was a member of the Lower Miami Church, 
which at its organization included this church. They and children were 
members of Wolf Creek Church and their children members of this 
church. The Bowmans and Vanimans were also among its members. 
A son of this church, J. Homer Bright, born, converted and called to 
the ministry here, has been active in missionary work in China since 
1911. This church is now supporting him in the foreign field. 

On April 27, 1911, John H. Root and Harvey A. Priser were elect- 
ed to the deacon's office. On May 29, 1914, Ambrose Lanclis, his wife, 
Elizabeth Landis, (nee Teeter), was chosen to the deaconship. On 
August 27, 1914, John H. Root, his wife, Jennie Root (nee Bercaw) 
was elected to the ministry. On December 3, 1914, Carrie Diehl and 



110 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 



111 



Eli Garber, his wife, Altha Garber (nee Lowman) were elected deacons. 
On the same date the church excused Elder Horning from presiding. 
This was done at his own request, because of failing health. 
Elder William Minnich was chosen to serve two years. This was 
renewed two years later. On December 12, 1918, John H. Root was 
given the oversight. He had been ordained April 25, 1918, by Elders 
John Beeghly and Noah Erbaugh. This church united with the Brook- 
ville Church to dismantle the Wolf Creek house and each built in 1915. 
The Eversole house was taken down and a most convenient and comely 







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Eversole Church (Old House) 

house erected at the cost of $15,000. Elder Otho Winger preached the 
dedicatory sermon. Clarence Erbaugh, his wife, Clara Erbaugh (nee 
Horning) and Harvey A. Priser, his wife, Ida May Priser (nee Garst) 
were elected to the ministry and John Bowser, his wife, Mary Bowser, 
(nee Root) and Jesse Kreitzer, his wife, Bessie Kreitzer, (nee Utz) 
were chosen to the deaconship May 3, 1917. In December, 1919, Elder 
Xoah Erbaugh moved here and Clarence Erbaugh soon went to 
Bethany Bible School. 

The Eversole Church was so called from the fact that its houses 
have been built on the northwest corner of the farm of Abraham 
Eversole who donated the lots for the church house and cemetery and 



112 History of the Church of the Brethren 

who also aided in the erection of the first house in 1872. His pos- 
terity has* ever since been largely identified with the membership and 
official work of the church, hence the new organization chose to be 
called the Eversole congregation. The Sunday school now averages 
eighty-nine. The church's territory has become a fruitful field. 



(9) 

Beaver Creek 

ZIMMERMANVILLE is on the Dayton and Xenia Pike two miles 
northwest of Alpha, where the Bellbrook and Fairfield road 
crosses it, making the only street. The town was named after 
Jacob Zimmerman who erected the first house at the southeast inter- 
section of the above named roads. Diagonally across the pike on the 
northwest corner stands the present church edifice dedicated November 
18, 1893. It is a frame structure (36x56) with a basement. The 
Brethren settled on Beaver Creek as early as 1805. The Siglers, Shoups 
and Coys were among the first settlers. The Coys came in 1800 and 
seem to be a permanent fixture in the community. The first church 
house (36x70) was built in 18-43. Before that time services were held 
in private homes. 

George Shoup was the first brother here, and Elder Sigler was the 
first Presiding Elder, serving from the organization of the church in 
1812 until his death. Elder Moses Shoup then took charge and con- 
tinued until the close of his life in 1880. Elder Shoup was born 
in Frederick County, Maryland, October 1, 1793. He came with his 
parents, George and Charlotte Shoup, to Greene County in 1805. He 
was married in 1818 to Elizabeth Miller. His wife died January 11, 
1877. The church continues under the Shoup influence to this day. 
Daniel Shoup, a son of Bishop Shoup, was long a deacon in the church 
but later became a minister in the Old Order Church. 

Nicholas Brubaker was a minister here from 1856 to 1868 when 
he moved to Illinois. He was quite able and helpful. His wife was a 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



113 



daughter of Elder Shoup. The youngest daughter, Rebecca Ann Shoup, 
married B. F. Darst in 1860. He was a minister in the church but ow- 
ing to certain hindrances preached somewhat periodically beginning 
in the seventies. He was genial and social in disposition, of good educa- 
tion, having spent two winters in his youth in the New Carlisle Acad- 
emy. His father was Elder John Darst the first elder of the Lost Creek 
Church. He was born December 16, 1838, and died September, 1901. 
Another descendant of Elder Shoup is Elder Aaron Coy, who is a 
grandson. His wife was Diana Funderburg. He was elected a deacon 
in 1877, a minister in 1882 and ordained in 1892, and has been given 




Beaver Creek Church. 



charge of the church up to the present time. A daughter of Aaron Coy, 
Carrie, married A. D. Wenrick. He was elected to the ministry in 1903. 
One of the early deacons of the church was Michael Folkerth. He 
was married to Anna Hall in 1802. They came from Maryland to 
Preble County, settling on Big Twin in 1817, but in 1832 moved east of 
Dayton and became members of Beaver Creek Church. He was a dea- 
con in the church for many years. He died March 5, 1843. His daughter, 
Margaret, married Abraham Eversole of whom the Eversole kindred 
in the Eversole Church are of direct descent. Elder J. O. Garst is a 
great grandson of Folkerth. Anna Hall Folkerth long survived her 
husband. She was born in Frederick County, Maryland, April 9, 1787. 
She was a Quakeress by birth, but joined the church before she was 



114 History of the Church of the Brethren 

twenty-one. After the death of her first husband, she married John 
Jordan in 1847. She died December 31, 1872. John Jordan was a minis- 
ter in the Beaver Creek Church. He was an earnest worker in the 
chur'ch about the time of the Civil War. He died in January, 1867. 

During the war William and Daniel Roby who came as refugees 
from Virginia, and Elder John Lair who came from Tennessee assisted 
in preaching the Word. After the war David Bates and Henry Dun- 
can were ministers, the former going with the Old Orders and the 
latter with the Progressives. E. B. Bagwell came in 1892 and went to 
the Hocking County Mission in 1898. David Stutsman in 1896 was 
elected and installed into the ministry here while living in the West 
Dayton Church. Its consent was later granted. Elder George Holler of 
the Lower Miami Church presided for some years after the death of 
Elder Shoup. Elder Jesse Stutsman of Ludlow Church also presided 
in the interim between Elders Holler and Coy. Peter Wrightsman came 
from Tennessee, during the war and later spent a number of years in 
Dayton and labored for the brethern here. Some of the deacons were : 
Moses Shoup, his wife, Elizabeth Shoup (nee Miller), Michael Folkerth, 
his wife, Anna Folkerth (nee Hall), John Stoneberger, Jacob Coy, his 
wife, A. Coy (nee Strine), Henry Shoup, his wife, Martha Shoup (nee 
Brubaker), Cornelius Zimmerman, his wife, Mary Zimmerman (nee 
i'rubee), John Stauffer, his wife, Belle Stauffer (nee Miller), John 
Lambert, his wife, Emma Lambert (nee Moyer), Peter Miller, Matthias 
Custonborder, his wife, Eliza Custonborcler (nee Davis), Frank Haver- 
stick, his wife, Catherine Haverstick (nee Coy). 

The membership of this church now numbers fifty-five. Elder 
Aaron Coy is the only minister here at present. His field is large. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 115 



(10) 
East Dayton 

THIS church was a part of the Beaver Creek Church. It embraces 
the City of Dayton, east of the Miami river and extends to the 
Greene County line. It claims the much larger part of the city. 

The Brethren settled in Dayton in its early history, and large set- 
tlements of our people surrounded the city on nearly all sides. Many of 
the citizens are descendents of our people and often asked our minis- 
ters to preach for them. A lot was bought March 7, 1845. Soon the 
surrounding churches united and built a small quaint church on the 
corner of Jackson and Van Buren streets. It had two small rooms for 
the residence of a family. Here services were held every two weeks by 
the surrounding churches, each one taking a turn. This continued until 
Dr. Peter R. Wrightsman moved into the city about 1868 when ser- 
vices were held every Sunday. Elder Abraham Younce often 
preached here in the seventies, driving fifteen miles, the Dayton 
members paying his toll and feeding his horse. Elder James Quinter 
came a number of times during his residence at Covington. The Beaver 
Creek and Lower Miami Churches were very helpful until the division 
of the Brotherhood in 1881. 

This church house became the center of contention after the 
division. The court decided after a most careful investigation that the 
property belonged to the church that remained with the conference. 

The house was then sold and with the proceeds a new church 
60x36 feet was built about 1892 in the eastern part of the city on the 
corner of May and Philadelphia streets. Here services have been regu- 
larly held morning and evening. The church in Dayton and that at 
Beaver Creek were more closely related now, and Elders Jesse Stuts- 
man and Aaron Coy had full charge and directed the services. David 
Stutsman was chosen to the ministry. 

In 1903 the East Dayton Church was organized with Elder L. A. 
Bookwalter in the chair and Elder D. S. Filbrun, Secretary. Elder 



116 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 117 

Jacob Coppock was chosen elder and John Early, secretary. At this 
meeting it was decided that the newly organized church should be call- 
ed "East Dayton." The first trustees were William L. Danner, John 
C. Early and David B. Davis. On May 4, 1904 David Stutsman was 
ordained an elder. He filled the appointments until 1906 when he 
placed his membership elsewhere. In 1904 Samuel Tippy, was installed 
in the deacon's office. His wife Jennie Tippy (nee Davis), was installed 
later. Prior to this, John Stauffer, a deacon, was a resident of this 
place. 

In 1906 the church and property was placed in charge of the 
Mission Board of Southern Ohio and the appointments were filled by 
various ministers from the surrounding churches. Coppock continued 
as elder in charge until Josephus E. Barnhart took his place in 1908. 
In the same year John W. Pidler and wife moved to East Dayton and 
served them efficiently as pastor until 1912. 

In 1909 Otto Willhoyte was chosen deacon and in 1911, William 
Netzley, a young minister, moved in but stayed less than ft year. About 
1912 D. M. Garver became the presiding officer. William Swinger of 
Trotwood usually filled the preaching appointments. In 1913 S. A. 
Blessing was made elder and pastor, doing acceptably most of the 
preaching until 1916. The next year J. A. R. Couser who had lived 
within the bounds of this church for a number of years, handed in his 
letter of membership. Although a minister he delights mostly in the ser- 
vice of song, in which he and his family are a great aid to this church, 
though not always able to be present on account of distance. 

In 1916, Jesse O. Garst became elder and pastor of this church 
doing most of the preaching. 

Dacie Baldwin came to this church as a Sunday-school worker 
in 1911, continuing her good work up to the present, exclusive of a 
short intermission from January to September, 1916. The year 1917 
was the most prosperous numerically this church has ever enjoyed. 
Twenty-two were baptized, two reclaimed and twenty-two letters of 
membership received, thus doubling the membership of this church in 
one year. Some of the letters received were of members living awhile in 
the city without a church home. Most of these and the new recruits 
have become quite active. A fine class of young people is developing 
and an increasing attendance at Sunday school and church services is 
noticeable. 



118 History of the Church of the Brethren 

December 21, 1918, J. A. R. Couser was ordained, and his son, E. 
Friend Couser, who had felt a call to the ministry was installed in that 
office. Like his father he is especially gifted in song. While J. A. R. 
Couser and family reside in the territory of the Beaver Creek Church, 
by the consent of that church they hold their membership at East 
Dayton. At the same meeting, December 21, 1918, William Klinger with 
his wife, Mary Klinger (nee Ridenour), was installed in the deacon's 
office. William Landis, a deacon with his wife, Etta Landis (nee 
Shepherd), moved in from Michigan in 1918. Early in 1919, Monroe 
Snider, a deacon, and Elder Elmer Brumbaugh moved here. As 
noted before, the last three years, the East Dayton Church seems to 
have become rejuvenated. Not only were a number baptized, but 
others found it an inviting place in which to locate, the membership 
now being ninety-two. This superinduced the idea of a resident 
pastor. Accordingly a generous sum was raised and with the added 
assistance of the Mission Board, William Buckley was located here 
in the fall of 1919. Both Elders Brumbaugh and Couser now have 
their membership in this church. Elder Jesse O. Garst relinquished 
the charge of the church, May 10, 1919, and Elder J. W. Fidler now 
has the oversight. The Sunday school has an average attendance of 
seventy six, which with other stated facts, augers a new era for this 
church. 



(id 

West Dayton 

THIS church embraces that part of Dayton west of the Great 
Miami river with the territory extending westward to Gettys- 
burg Avenue. Thirty-two members of the Lower Miami, Lower 
Stillwater and Bear Creek churches had petitioned February 24, 1889 
their various congregations to organize a church in the western part of 
Dayton and this was granted. A meeting for organization was held 
April 17, 1889, at the home of S. W. Hoover near the city. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 119 

The following elders were present : George Holler, Isaac Bright, 
Francis Cotterman, John Smith, George Garver, John J. Bowman and 
Henry Gump ; also these ministers : William Klepinger, Jacob Holler, 
and S. W. Hoover. Elder John Smith was chairman and S. W. Hoover, 
secretary. Elder Francis Cotterman who had moved from Lower Twin 
into this territory near the Soldier's Flome was chosen Presiding Elder. 
He had as an assistant in the ministry, S. W, Hoover, who was active 
and energetic. S. Bock, Elmer Wombold and H. C. Butterbaugh were 
elected trustees; H. C. Butterbaugh, secretary and treasurer. S. W. 
Hoover was elected delegate to Annual Meeting, which position he 
filled each year for seven years. 

May 17, 1889, Samuel Bock and H. C. Butterbaugh were elected 
deacons. The new organization decided to await the building of the 
church house before commencing preaching services. A brick house 
40x56 was built during the year on the corner of Fourth Avenue and 
College street, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Elder John 
Smith. 

July 25, 1889 Brother S. W. Hoover was advanced to the second 
degree of the ministry. Sunday school was organized September 22, 
1889, with Charles Elson and William H. Klepinger, superintendents 
and Vinnie Cotterman, secretary and' treasurer. 

July 31, 1890, O. P. Hoover was chosen to the ministry and W. 
H. Klepinger and W. D. Long to the deaconship. 

January 8, 1892, Elder I. J. Rosenberger was chosen assistant 
elder and served in this capacity until his resignation April 29, 
1897. April 30, 1892, W. I. T. Hoover was elected to the ministry. 
December 28, 1893, O. P. Hoover was advanced to the second degree 
of the ministry. On Sunday evening March 10, 1895, occurred the 
tragic death of Samuel W. Hoover. At the close of the sermon, he 
was stricken and the pulpit became his death bed in the presence 
of his congregation as his spirit passed instantly into eternity. Novem- 
ber 10, 1896, W. I. T. Hoover was advanced to the second degree of 
the ministry. Both O. P. and W. I. T. Hoover were able ministers but 
after some years of service here, they went to other states to engage in 
educational work. On October 28, 1897, Elder Francis Cotterman re- 
signed the oversight of the church on account of poor eyesight and old 
age, and Elder L. A. Bookwalter was chosen, holding his position until 
his resignation December 22, 1904. Charles E. Culp preached for the 



120 History of the Church of the Brethren 

church a short time during the middle portion of this period. He died 
May 24, 1906. June 12, 1902, Charles A. Bame, minister in the second 
degree, came to this church as her pastor remaining until September, 
1907. He was an eloquent speaker. For a number of years prior to this 
and up to August 28, 1908, William C. Teeter assisted in the ministry 
here then affiliated with the Progressive Church. Though engaged in 
business pursuits, he was for quite a while an earnest worker in the 
West Dayton Church and an efficient helper in the ministry. Differ- 
ent practices and departures having crept into the church, a committee 
from Annual Conference came and was continued for some years. 
Elder Jacob Coppock was chosen to preside with Elders John Calvin 
Bright and J. H. Brumbaugh, assistants. Brother Bame went to Phila- 
delphia, where soon after he joined the Progressives. Elder D. M. Gar- 
ver was elected pastor and elder December 19, 1907. He resigned when 
Elder D. S. Filbrun took charge. 

Elder D. S. Filbrun came as pastor and elder, September 17, 1908, 
and remained until July 25, 1912. During his pastorate, O. P. Haines 
was elected to the ministry on March 10, 1910. He was reared in the 
Wolf Creek and Bear Creek churches. His father was a deacon and he 
gives promise of much usefulness in the ministry. He has served 
several churches in Illinois and is a very successful evangelist. He 
married a daughter of Elder Granville Minnich. S. D. Musselman and 
Ivan L. Erbaugh were elected deacons August 20, 1908. D. W. 
Kneisly and C. W. Van Scoyk were called to the same office Septem- 
ber 16, 1909. From July 25, 1912 to May 1, 1913, Elder D. C. Stuts- 
man had charge of the preaching services. In 1913, W. C. Furnas came 
as a deacon. Elder D. H. Keller and wife became the servants of this 
church May 1, 1913, as pastor and elder. Sister Keller is assistant in 
all lines of work, public and private, helping in the pulpit very accept- 
ably. They had taught school and served in the ministry for years in 
the Northern Iowa District, and were ordained to the full ministry 
February 26, 1910. Elder Keller also served as an officer of their 
District Meeting six times. The work at West Dayton prospered in 
their hands. He served on the standing committee from Southern 
Ohio in 1916. They left to continue their Bible work at Bethany Bible 
School, terminating their work here September 1, 1916. During their 
stay Darrell R. Murray was elected to the ministry and Charles Camp- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



121 



bell, Jesse Albert, \Y. C. Baker and Artie A. Smith to the deaconship. 
This occurred April 27, 1916. 

On September 1, 1916, Elder David F. Warner became the over- 
seer and pastor of the West Dayton Church. He was born in Darke 
County, Ohio, reared in Michigan, and, later, lived in Illinois. Sister 
Warner is gifted for public speaking and service. Elder Dorsey Hodg- 
den, who formerly did much evangelistic work, has resided in this con- 
gregation since December 19, 1912, coming from Indiana. 







West Dayton Church. 

Some differences having again arisen, the Annual Conference in 
1918 sent a committee which has been continued. The difficulty, how- 
ever, does not seem to have retarded the church in its growth and 
development. 

At a council October 3, 1918, Norman Wine, his wife, Grace Wine 
(nee Hodgden), and Lawerence Weimer, his wife, Inez Weimer (nee 
Shepard), were installed into the ministry. This was the first installa- 
tion of ministers without a previous election held in Southern Ohio 
executed according to the new ruling of the Annual Conference of 



122 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Samuel Bock. 

He was an active deacon in the West Dayton Church until he moved away. 

He was also secretary of the Book and Tract Work. 




Jacob Hepner. 

He was an earnest worker, until his death, in the Wolf Creek Church, one 

of the churches of this group. He was an associate of Brother Bock on 

the Book and Tract Work, acting as treasurer. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 123 

1917. The church in 1918 enlarged their house. It is artistic, roomy and 
modernly equipped for Sunday-school work, with rooms for this pur- 
pose and also aid society room, kitchen and social room, the whole at 
an expenditure of $16,000. Elder Warner has resigned as pastor. The 
Sunday school in 1919 had an average attendance of 131 and the church 
numbers 312 members. W. C. D'etrick has accepted the pastorate. 



m m m m m m 

^p) {eg) ^p) (jfc) (30J (^£ 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Eastern Group 



C|p ) (^5(jJ v3P J \3S ' v c x D 







*\ 



Introduction 



THIS group of churches owes its beginning to the faithful breth- 
ren and sisters who were among the homeseekers entering the 
Ohio country when opened for settlement. They settled 
on the fertile soil found between Mad River on the east and the Miami 
River on the west, comprising portions of Miami, Clarke and Cham- 
paign counties, and extending eastward to the Ohio River, Clark and 
Champaign counties, and southward to the Beaver Creek Church and 
the Southern Field. This region at that time was almost an unbroken 
wilderness. The roads were mere trails. The Indians, though sub- 
dued, were still in evidence. Tecumseh, the great Indian Chieftain, was 
a native of Mad River. 

Notable among the early settlers were the Garbers (or Garvers), 
Harshbargers, Funderburgs, Hecks, Ebersoles, Frantzes, Smiths, 
Ohmerts, Nehers, Grissos, Flicks, Rymans, Brubakers, and others who 
settled west of Springfield, mostly in the Donnel's Creek and Honey 
Creek valleys. While the Studebakers, Karns, Darsts, Gumps, Butter- 
baughs, Ginghams, and others chose Miami County. The Garbers (or 
Garvers), Harshbargers and the Ebersoles were among the first settlers 
of which we have any reliable account. The former coming from Cler- 
mont County, Ohio, about 1802, the Harshbargers from Virginia in 
1806, and the Ebersoles a year or two later from same state. The 
Frantzes came from Virginia and the Smiths from Ross County 
in 1812 and the Hecks from Virginia in 1812 or 1813. The Ohmerts, 
Nehers, Grissos, Flicks, Rymans and Brubakers came between 1812 and 
1833. The above mentioned families who settled in Miami County 
came as early as 1809 to 1816. 

These families with others that were constantly coming from the 
east, constituted the body which was soon to be numbered with the 
other churches of the Miami Valley. Coming from well-organized 
churches in the east, they soon felt the need of an organized body. 



128 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Accordingly somewhere between the years 1805 and 1810 they were 
formally organized into the Donnel's Creek German Baptist Brethren 
Church, and so begins the history of the first organized church in this 
territory. The five churches later organized from this same territory 
are West Charleston (formerly Hickory Grove), Casstown and Troy 
(formerly Lost Creek), New Carlisle, and Springfield. They will be 
noted in their proper order. On account of their geographical location 
the more isolated eastern churches, Rush Creek (Bremen), Frankfort, 
Circleville and Charleston, will also be considered in this group. 



m m m m 



(1) 

Donnel's Creek 

THIS church was organized between the years 1805 and 1810, 
Elder John Garber (or Garver) having the oversight. Elder Gar- 
ver died in the year 1813 or 1814. He was probably the John 
Garver, Sr., mentioned in the history of the Stonelick Church. Its 
membership must have been confined to a few dozen. Elder Christian 
Frantz was chosen as the second bishop of the church in 1814. As 
to his co-laborers in the ministry it is still a matter of doubt, though 
Jacob Ohmert, Isaac Darst and Jacob Moomaw are remembered as 
ministers, and John Studebaker as a deacon. Nothing definite can be 
given of this early organization, though the above brethren were prob- 
ably Elder Frantz's assistants. Public services were maintained in pri- 
vate homes. In building their houses, large and commodious rooms 
were provided for this purpose. Large barns were often used for love 
feasts and funerals ; often, too, meetings were held in the forests or on 
some shady lawn. The election of John Frantz to the deacon's office 
in 1827 is one of the first official aets of which we have any reliable 
account. Jacob Crist, Sr., was probably elected a deacon at the same 
time. Four years previous to this election, Michael Frantz, a deacon, 
moved in from Virginia. In 1828 Jacob Moomaw moved to Logan 
County. In 1830 Henry Harshberger and David Landis, deacons, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 129 



moved to Miami County. About the same time Jacob Crist, Sr., 
moved to Logan County. 

In 1830 the Hickory Grove (West Charleston) Church was organ- 
ized. This left Donnel's Creek with about fifty members and two min- 
isters, Christian Frantz and Jacob Ohmert, and two deacons, Michael 
and John Frantz. In the same year occurred the election of 

Jacob Ebersole to the ministry. In 1832 Nicholas Frantz was elected 
to the ministry. A year later Jacob Ohmert died, and John 
Frantz was called to the ministry. In 1838 Jonathan Brubaker 
was elected deacon. In 1840 Jacob Crist, Sr., who in the meantime 
had been elected to the ministry, returned from Logan County. Fol- 
lowing the ordination of Jacob Ebersole in 1844, Elder Christian 
Frantz, on account of his age, asked to be relieved of his charge and 
the church complied by giving Elder Ebersole active charge of the 
church. In 1847 Jacob Crist, Sr., was ordained. In 1847 John Frantz 
was ordained. In 1850 George Funderhurg was elected to the min- 
istry and was active in the work for nearly thirty years. In 1841 
Nicholas Frantz moved to Indiana. Benjamin Frantz, born in 1797, 
was elected deacon in 1845. His wife was Elizabeth Flory. He died 
in 1868. In 1847 Daniel Frantz was elected deacon. His wife was 
Sophia Ohmert. He served forty-two years. He went with Old Order 
Brethren in 1881. 

In 1847 John Neher was elected deacon. His first wife was Eliz- 
abeth Garst, second, Lydia Studebaker. He was treasurer of the church 
a number of years. He moved to Illinois in 1864. In 1850 Jacob 
Brubaker was made deacon. His wife was Anna Frantz, daughter of 
John Frantz. He moved to Illinois in 1863. In 1851 Henry Brubaker 
and Jacob Crist, Jr., were elected deacons. Six months later both were 
elected ministers. Brubaker died in 1865. Crist went with Old Orders 
in 1881. For a number of years the services were all in the German lan- 
guage. Then came a time when there was a call for some English 
preaching. In the election of Jacob Ebersole, a school-teacher, to the 
ministry, this want was satisfied, as he was equally fluent in both lan- 
guages. Jacob Frantz, son of Elder Christian Frantz, in 1835, built 
a large bank barn on his homestead one mile south of North Hampton, 
and as it was centrally located, nearly all the regular services, funerals, 
councils and love feasts were held there. The barn is still standing, on 



130 History of the Church of the Brethren 

the farm where Henry Dresher now lives. A growing- sentiment de- 
veloped in favor of building a meeting-house. 

Accordingly in the year 1848 they secured a site and built the first 
Brethren church house in Clark County. Elder Jacob Ebersole 
preached the first sermon in it. In 1849 and 1850 the Donnel's Creek 
congregation sustained its first great loss in the deaths of Elders Jacob 
Crist, St., Christian Frantz, and Jacob Ebersole, the former dying 
in 1849, and the two latter in 1850. Elder John Frantz, who had been 
ordained the previous year, was chosen housekeeper. In 1864 Aaron 
Frantz was elected to the deacon's office and two years later to the min- 
istry. In 1881 he went with the Old Orders. In 1873 Peter Heck 
and Benjamin Brubaker were elected to the ministry, both being dea- 
cons since 1866. In 1877 Elder Joseph N. Kauffman moved in. In 
1860 Michael Frantz, a deacon, died. His first wife was Elizabeth 
Crist ; his second, Susan Neher ; and the third, Katie Crist. Fie served 
forty years. In 1864 Adam Crist was elected deacon. His wife was 
Anna Frantz, daughter of Daniel Frantz. He died in 1868. Isaac Shell- 
abarger was elected deacon in 1869. His first wife was Elizabeth Little- 
john; his second wife was Elizabeth Brubaker, widow of Henry Bru- 
baker. Benjamin A. Frantz was made a deacon the same year. His 
first wife was Mary Ann Leedy ; his second wife, Mattie Binkley. Both 
went with the Old Order in 1881. Peter Heck also went with the 
Old Order in 1881. In 1866 Jonathan Whisler was elected a 
deacon. His wife was Lydia Frantz. In 1879 he moved to Kansas. 
In 1838 Jonathan Brubaker was elected a deacon and moved to Illinois 
in 1867. His wife was Barbara Crist. After the death of Michael 
Frantz, he was the oldest deacon, and a great counsellor, almost in 
equality with the bishop. In 1874 Henry Frantz was elected deacon. 
In 1886 Elder John Frantz died. He was elder in charge until 1877. 

As early as 1851 the brethren began to preach in the vicinity of 
London, Madison County. The work prospered, and in 1879, with a 
membership of about forty, they built a church house. For the want 
of resident ministers the work fell on the Donnel's Creek brethren, 
who filled monthly appointments. With so few services, while the 
older members remained faithful, they were unable to gather in the 
children. In 1908 the old meeting house was torn down and rebuilt in 
Summerford. With a view of reviving the work a series of meetings 
were held and a Sunday school organized with regular preaching serv- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 131 

ices every two weeks ; but all to no purpose. Only a few members 
remained. To the regret of all in 1917, the church property was sold 
and work in Madison County discontinued. Probably the most lament- 
able time in Donnel's Creek history was the division of 1881, when 
126 of her 300 members chose to follow the leadership of those who 
resolved against the Annual Conference. Though weakened, the 
church moved forward and ere a decade had passed was as strong as 
ever. 

In 1877 Elder Joseph N. Kauf fman took charge of the church, and 
held it until 1887, when he was relieved. He moved to Virginia in 
1890. In 1879 Benjamin Brubaker, a minister, moved to Kansas. In 
1881 Henry Frantz was elected to the ministry. In 1882 David 
Leatherman was elected to the ministry. In 1879 George Morningstar 
was elected deacon. His wife was Barbara Harshbarger. He was 
trustee and treasurer for some years- Daniel Hirt was also elected at 
the same time. His first wife was Rebecca Nef f ; the second, Mary 
Frantz. Jacob Shoup was elected deacon at this time also. His wife 
was Catherine Heck. The two latter deacons went with the Old Or- 
ders in 1881. George Morningstar died in 1907. In 1881 Anthony K. 
Funderburg was elected deacon. His wife was Susanna Heck. In 
the same year Benjamin F. Miller was elected deacon. His wife was 
Lucy Ann Funderburg. He was gifted in vocal music. In the same 
year Christian M. Smith was elected deacon. His first wife was Mary 
J. Zinn ; the second, Caroline Porter ; the third, Minnie Dresher. He 
was always a liberal giver. Levi Hertzler, a deacon, moved here in 
1882, and in 1885 to Kansas. His wife was Catherine Royer. Philip 
Morningstar was elected deacon in 1882. He was married to Eliza 
Miranda. He died in 1902. 

In 1887 Elder Jesse Stutsman was called to the oversight of the 
church. He had charge until 1890. In 1888 Jacob D. Sandy was 
elected to the ministry. I. B. Trout was elected to the ministry in 1889. 
He moved to Illinois in 1895. Henry Frantz was ordained in 1889. 
Wm. H. Bowser was elected to the ministry in 1890, and moved to 
Virginia in 1891. He had served the church two years as a deacon 
previous to his election to the ministry. . James Hansbarger, a deacon, 
moved here in 1889. His first wife was Lavina F. Gochenour; the 
second, a sister to the first, Julia A. Gochenour. In 1890 Elder Llenry 
Frantz was made elder in charge and continued till 1898. In 1896 



132 History of the Church of the Brethren 

David Leatherman was ordained. In 1897 Josephus E. Barnhart, a 
minister, moved in. In 1898 Elder Henry Frantz was relieved. In 
1890 Henry Dresher was elected deacon. His wife was Mary Myers. 
Elder David Leatherman became elder in charge serving from 1898 to 
1907. In 1900 David S. Dredge was elected to the ministry and Wil- 
liam W. Barnhart, a minister, moved in. In the same year Jacob D. 
Sandy was ordained. W. W. Barnhart remained one year moving to 
Montgomery County. In 1904 Lewis R. Peifer, a minister, moved in, 
and Josephus E. Barnhart was ordained. In 1899, J. William Arnold, 
a deacon, moved in. His wife was Harriet Lucy Kline. He was the 
oldest deacon in office at that time. Peter Hylton, a deacon, moved 
here in 1902. His wife was Catherine Reed. Arnold moved to Mary- 
land in 1907 and Hylton to Virginia in 1903. In 1907, Cyrus Funder- 
burg and Lewis Teach were elected deacons. Brother Teach's wife 
was Anna (DeMaster) Ullery. 

The first series of meetings were held in the spring of 1882, one 
at New Carlisle and one at the country house, Oliver Yount and I. J. 
Rosenberger assisting. These efforts resulted in some twenty addi- 
tions. In the year 1880 a few members located in Greene County near 
Gunnersville about four miles south of Jamestown. A few years after 
their coming, Elders Henry Frantz and David Leatherman, upon an 
earnest appeal from these members, began to hold regular services 
there. Oliver Yount and others assisted in protracted efforts. Quite 
a number were baptized. After continuing the work there for several 
years the work was taken over by the Mission Board. On account of 
members moving away the cause began to lag. Thus the work which 
had a promising beginning, was for the above reasons discontinued. 
The first Sunday school was organized in August, 1886. There was 
little opposition and the work has had a steady growth. In 1890 the 
brethren began to realize that the two old church houses which had 
served them so long and well were no longer large enough. So, in 
1892 a new brick structure replaced the old one at New Carlisle, and 
in 1895 the Old Donnel's Creek church building gave place to the 
present commodious building. Both houses have since been remodeled 
and fitted out with Sunday-school rooms and galleries. After years of 
agitation and spasmodic efforts a mission was finally established at 
Springfield. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 133 

The spring of 1909 marks the beginning of permanent work in the 
city (see Springfield Church history). In 1907 Elder David Leather- 
man resigned and the oversight of the church was given to Elder Jo- 
sephus E. Barnhart. In 1907, John A. Glick, a minister, moved in. 
After one year he moved to Virginia. In 1908 Lewis R. Peifer was 
ordained. In 1909 Roland N. Leatherman and Hugh Miller were 
elected to the ministry. Leatherman in 1912 went to Bethany and 
Miller in 1910 to Logan County. In the same year J. Howard Eide- 
miller, a minister, moved in. In 1911 Drue D. Funderburg was elected 
to the ministry and David S. Dredge was ordained. On March 28, 
1914 a harmonious division of church property and territory was con- 
summated between the Donnel's Creek and New Carlisle congregations 
(see history of New Carlisle Church). In 1911 Elder L. R. Peifer was 
chosen assistant housekeeper, Elder Barnhart's health having failed. 
In 1912 Hiram Bailey moved in, and in 1913 went to Tennessee, re- 
turned in 1914, and in 1915 went back to Tennessee. In 1913 Clifford 
A. Workman moved in, and moved out in 1917. Both were ministers. 
In 1909 David M. Teach was elected deacon. His wife was Clara 
Belle Dresher. In 1910 George Zimmerman, a deacon, moved in. In 
1911 Ira Hoke and Jason L. Denlinger moved in. They were deacons. 
In 1913 Elder Lewis R. Peifer moved to Chicago and Elder Jacob D. 
Sandy was given charge continuing up to the present. In 1914 Cyrus 
Funderburg was elected to the ministry and ordained in 1917. In 1914 
Elder David S. Dredge moved to New Carlisle. In 1917 Russel Stude- 
baker was elected deacon. His wife's name was Cynthia Smith. June 
14, 1919, Leonard Young was elected to the ministry. He has lately 
accepted. His wife's name was Orpha Lavey. 

Thus briefly is assembled these few facts which mark the way 
through the first century of the Donnel's Creek Church. The church 
now ( 1910) numbers one hundred, including two ministers and seven 
deacons. The Sunday school has an average attendance of eighty- five. 
Donnel's Creek has had again and again new congregations within her 
borders. Her present territory is getting more and more limited. May 
her influence never wane ! 



134 History of the Church of the Brethren 

m m m m mm m 

K3sJ LseJ (■«#; IqpJ LsgJ Lgej l5x?J 

(2) 

West Charleston (Hickory Grove) 

THE organization known as the Hickory Grove District, now West 
Charleston, was formed in 1830 from the southwestern part of 
the territory of the Donnel's Creek Church. Residing in this ter- 
ritory were the following church officials : Isaac Karns, elder in charge, 
who had just moved into Miami County this same year; Isaac Darst, 
a minister in the second degree ; John Studebaker, Henry Harshbar- 
ger and David Landis, deacons. About forty members constituted the 
new church. In 1832 Isaac Darst died. The next year John Stude- 
baker passed away. Soon after Abraham Studebaker was elected dea- 
con. In 1835 Henry Harshbarger moved out and David Landis was 
elected to the ministry. In 1836 David Shellabarger, Adam Stine- 
barger and Henry Rubsom, ministers in the second degree, moved in 
and about the same time, Elder Isaac Karns moved away, leaving the 
church without an elder. 

Brother Shellabarger's certificate when presented, stated that he 
was sufficiently established to be ordained but it had not been done 
for want of help. He was finally ordained. Years of trouble followed 
from this. In 1837 James Ward and Daniel Arnold were elected dea- 
cons. Brother Ward insisted that an English speaker be ordained that 
their children might be married in that language. Some time later 
Ward moved away. About 1849 the spiritual interest had waned to 
such an extent that there were no regular preaching services though 
there were three resident ministers. Through the efforts of Elders 
David Bowman, John Darst and Peter Nead the work was revived. 
David Shellabarger was then elder in charge. In 1853 David Landis 
and Elder David Shellabarger moved away; Joseph Arnold and Jacob 
Snell were elected deacons. At this time Rubsom and Stinebarger 
were the only resident ministers. Soon David Studebaker, a minister 
in the second degree, moved in. He proved a minister of great influ- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



135 



ence and is still remembered. In 1854 the Hickory Grove Church house 
was built. Prior to that the services were held in private homes. The 
membership now numbered about eighty. In 1854 Abraham Stude- 
baker died. In 1858 Joseph Arnold was elected to the ministry and 
Samuel S. Studebaker, deacon. Henry Rubsom and Adam Stinebarger 
were ordained elders. From the time of Elder David Shellabarger's 
moving out in 1853 to the above ordination in 1858 the church was 
under the care of Elder John Frantz of Donnel's Creek. In 1860 John 
Crist was elected to the ministry and Samuel Coppock and Jacob 




Hickory Grove Church. 



Frantz, deacons. In 1861 Jesse Studebaker, a minister in the second 
degree, moved in and remained three years. In 1862 John Crist was 
advanced to the second degree but soon moved to Illinois. In 1863, 
G. W. Studebaker came and labored here two years, then moved to 
Indiana. At this time occurred the death of David Studebaker, which 
was deeply lamented. Also in 1863 Stinebarger and Rubsom were the 
elders in charge and the membership numbered now one hundred. In 
1865 Elders Rubsom and Stinebarger were relieved of their ministry 
by a committee from Annual Meeting and Elders H. D. Davy and 
Abraham Flory placed in charge. Elder Flory remained in charge 
until the division in 1881. In 1866 Samuel Coppock was elected to the 



136 History of the Church of the Brethren 

ministry, and Jacob Hawver and John Filbrun, deacons. In 1872 Isaac 
Studebaker, a minister in the second degree, moved in. 

In 1873 O. F. Yount was called to the ministry and labored here 
until 1876 when the Middle District Church was formed. Yount and 
Coppock were living in the territory cut off. In 1874 John Hance, a 
deacon, moved in, and died in 1879. In 1879 Joseph Arnold was or- 
dained, and Jacob Coppock and D. S. Filbrun were elected deacons. 
In 1880, Henry Gump was called to the ministry and Harrison Shull, a 
deacon, moved in. In 1881 the memorable divide occurred which took 
from the church about thirty members. The elder in charge, Abraham 
Flory, and three deacons, leaving the church with Henry Gump, a min- 
ister, and four deacons, viz. : Frantz, Hawver, Coppock, and Filbrun. 
In all about one hundred members left. Elder John Smith was called 
to take charge of the church. Love and harmony seemed to result from 
the tribulations just experienced. In 1881 Jacob Coppock was called to 
the ministry and Henry Gump advanced to the second degree. In 1882 
the first series of meetings were conducted by I. J. Rosenberger. The 
meetings began with great anxiety on the part of some but resulted 
gloriously in twenty-eight conversions. 

In 1883 the church sent her first delegate, Jacob Coppock, to the 
Annual Conference. In 1883 D. S. Filbrun was elected to the ministry 
and in 1885 John Tanreuther and Jacob Denlinger were elected dea- 
cons. Tanreuther's death occurred in less than three months and Jacob 
Denlinger's in 1890. In 1886 Henry Gump was ordained, and Jacob 
Snell, Jr. elected deacon. In 1891 Samuel F. Studebaker and George 
Zimmerman were elected deacons. In 1893 Samuel Gump was called 
to the ministry. During the years 1830 and 1893 the church twice 
required committees to settle difficulties. In 1893 the membership 
numbered one hundred and fifty, a large percentage of the members' 
children being in the church. Regular services were held at three dif- 
ferent points in this territory, viz. : The Grove, Centennial and West 
Charleston. In 1897 Isaac Peters of Virginia, a deacon, moved in. 
In a few months he passed to his reward. In 1899 Samuel Gump was 
advanced to second degree and Jacob Coppock was ordained. In 1900 
John Gump and Elmer Brumbaugh were called to the ministry and 
D. S. Filbrun ordained. In 1902 A. S. Neher, a deacon, moved in. 

In 1903 Elder Henry Gump resigned the oversight of the church, 
and Elders Coppock and Filbrun had the care of it for two years. In 



of the Southern District of Ohio 137 

1904 A. S. Neher was called to the ministry and Charles A. Studebaker 
and John C. Karns to the deacon's office. In 1905 Elder Henry Gump 
moved to Covington and the same year Elder Jacob Coppock was 
chosen elder in charge and remains so up to date. In 1906 Elmer 
Brumbaugh was advanced to the second degree of the ministry. In 
1907 Howard Eidemiller was called to the ministry and John Gump 
and A. S. Neher were advanced to second degree ministry. In 1909 
Ed C. Funderburg was chosen deacon and in 1910 Woodford Peters 
was called to the ministry and Howard Eidemiller to the second degree. 
In 1911 A. S. Neher and John Gump were ordained. In 1912 Wood- 
ford Peters was advanced to the second degree. In 1915 the church 
numbered one hundred and sixty-six members. By a new boundary 
much territory was given to New Carlisle Church October 15, 1915. 
Services now were discontinued at all the other points and held exclu- 
sively at West Charleston. 

The earliest service at West Charleston was probably prior to 1864 
as proven by an old record of .the payment of some wood for the church 
at that date. Services were first conducted every eight weeks, then 
every four weeks, then every two< weeks, now each Lord's Day. A 
splendid church edifice was built at West Charleston in 1903 but on 
account of the growing Sunday school was enlarged by rebuilding in 
1914-15 and rededicated in 1915. Elder W T m. Howe preached the 
dedicatory sermon. September 9, 1916, Elmer Brumbaugh and wife 
were received into the full ministry. March 10, 1917, this congregation 
changed its name from the long revered Hickory Grove to be called in 
the future West Charleston. On account of the sacred memories of 
the past, farewell memorial services were held in the old Hickory 
Grove house, September 9, 1917. It was an occasion of much solem- 
nity. June 9, 1917, Charles Eidemiller and wife were installed in the 
deacon's office. Woodford Peters was ordained to the eldership June 
2, 1919. The last year or two has witnessed quite an exodus of the 
ministers of this church. Elders Neher and Gump to New Carlisle and 
in 1919 Elder Brumbaugh to East Dayton and Elder Peters to North 
Manchester, Indiana, leaving Elder Coppock alone in the work. This 
ministerial crisis resulted in the calling of J. C. Flora of Johnstown, 
Pennsylvania, as pastor who has served in that capacity since May, 
1919. The church now numbers one hundred and forty, with an aver- 
age attendance at Sunday school of one hundred and twelve. Judging 



38 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 139 

the future by the past, great things for God will continue to be done 
bv the West Charleston Church. 



mm 



(3) 

Casstown (Lost Creek) 

LOST Creek, the former name of the Casstown Church, was so 
called because of a creek of that name in the vicinity. The 
church is in the central portion of northeast Miami County ex- 
tending over into Shelby County on the north and Champaign County 
on the east. It is within the bounds of what was once a part of the terri- 
tory of the Donnel's Creek Church. As to the year of its organization 
there is some doubt. But as Elder John Darst was generally recognized 
as the first elder of the Lost Creek Church and he was not elected to 
the ministry until 1827, his ordination occurring still later, the church 
may not have been regularly organized until 1840. The Lost Creek 
church house, a brick structure, was built about 1850. It might be well 
to state that some think the brick building was preceded by a log struc- 
ture and the organization was much earlier than the dates above given, 
going back as far as 1816, but such is largely speculative. 

The following brethern have been the presiding elders of this 
church up to the present. John Darst from organization up to 1868. 
H. D. Davy from 1868 to 1878 when through some differences, he 
became later identified with the Old Order movement. Samuel Murray 
was a non-resident elder from 1878 to 1882. George Garver, a non- 
resident elder from 1882 to 1885. Henry Gump, a non-resident elder 
from 1885 to 1904. D. S. Filbrun, non-resident elder from 1904 to 
1908. D. D. Wine, non-resident elder from 1908 to 1910. J. E. Barn- 
hart, non-resident elder from 1910 to 1914, Sylvan Bookwalter, non- 
resident elder from 1912 to 1914. J. W. Fidler, non-resident elder 
from 1914 to 1916. John Gump, non-resident elder from 1916 to the 
present. I. J. Rosenberger served as assistant elder with Henry Gump 



140 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



because of his ill health, and Jacob D. Sandy did likewise for J. E. 
Barnhart. 

In addition to Elders John Darst and H. D. Davy the following 
brethren have served in the ministry at this place: Isaac S. Studebaker 
from 1853 to 1904; Simon Mikesell elected in 1879, moving to Wolf 
Creek Church in 1880; B. F. Filbrun elected in 1894, moving to Vir- 
den, Illinois ; S. E. Porter from 1905 to 1909 ; Oran S. Yount elected 
in 1906, now at Troy. Besides the above brethren, the following also 
served here in the ministry : John Studebaker served here fifteen years ; 
W. R. Murphy, from West Virginia, one year ; Doctor Van Dyke, from 
Illinois, eighteen months ; P. D. Reed from Tennessee, two years. The 
following were deacons in the church : Rudolph Aver served with Elder 
Darst ; Eli Gump served ten years ; Jacob Byerly from 1870 to 1886, 




Lost Creek Church. (Old House.) 



who was also secretary and treasurer of church ; J. B. Houser from 
1872 till his death in 1886; Daniel Wolf, 1878 to 1883 who went with 
Old Order; D. W. Weddle 1883 up to the present. He also is an 
active deacon; B. Ralston 1885 to 1900; C. M. Weddle 1885 to 1900; 
William Bashore 1897 to 1909 who then went to Troy; Jesse Credle- 
baugh 1903 to 1906. 

This church was for years a prosperous church numbering one 
hundred and twenty members, then trouble and declension set in about 
the time of the division from which it has never recovered. It num- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 141 

bers now only about twenty members. In 1909, the Casstown Church 
petitioned District Meeting for assistance. District Meeting referred 
the matter to the elders nearby. They met at the Casstown Church 
July 3, 1909, and decided with the consent of the Casstown members 
that it should be placed in charge of the Hickory Grove Church. The 
Hickory Grove Church, however, refused to accept the proposition. 
Accordingly April 12, 1910, when they again appealed to District Meet- 
ing, the Conference referred them to the Mission Board who accepted 
the request, assisting them for several years. O. P. Haines and other 
brethren filled some of these appointments, and Sisters Mina Bosser- 
man, Fern Morningstar and Elizabeth Neff assisted some at Casstown 
but mostly at Troy. A new church house was built at Casstown in 
1895, and soon after, the church name was changed to Casstown. Be- 
ing now without a resident minister the church is supplied by non- 
resident ministers whenever any service is held which is becoming less 
frequent, with an indication of ceasing. It will doubtless some time 
be merged with the Troy congregation. 




Casstown Church. 



142 History of the Church of the Brethren 



mmm 

l°x?) wJ (.<*?; 



(4) 

Troy 

THE city of Troy having a population of 7,500 is in the central 
part of Miami County, on the south banks of the Miami River, 
and is surrounded by one of the most fertile agricultural 
districts of the Miami Valley. The Troy Church embraces the city of 
Troy and contiguous territory. The first members residing in this 
territory belonged either to Lost Creek Church or to the churches on 
Stillwater. In 1907, a petition was presented by the members of Troy 
to the district meeting for aid in organizing a church in Troy. This 
was repeated for two years, finally April 12, 1910, the District Meeting 
placed the Troy work in the hands of the District Mission Board. 
Previously at a council August 17, 1909, the work of the Troy Mission 
was organized with Elders Jacob Coppock and D. D. Wine presiding. 
The only officials were Oran S. Yount, a minister and W. S. Bashore, 
a deacon, and the membership numbered thirty-five. The Sunday 
school was organized August 29, 1909. Elder Jacob Coppock looked 
after the church's interests until June 1, 1910, when Elder J. E. Barn- 
hart was selected by the Mission Board. He continued until May 4, 
1912, when Sylvan Bookwalter took his place. The Troy Mission was 
placed on the roll call of the Southern Ohio Churches in 1914. 

The Troy Church house is on the corner of McKaig Avenue and 
Monroe Street. It was built in the early seventies by the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and sold to the Progressive Brethren about 1887. 
Through the efforts of O. S. Yount it was rented for one year, then in 
February, 1911, was purchased by him and held until July 5, 1911, when 
it was purchased by the Mission Board. O. S. Yount who lived in 
Troy, was the first minister. He was assisted by visiting ministers, 
among whom was O. P. Haines, each taking the services alternate 
Sundays. Sisters Fern Morningstar, Elizabeth Neff, and Mina Bosser- 
man each worked here several years during different periods. Later 
Elder S. A. Blessing and other visiting brethren filled the pulpit for a 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



143 



while. December 1, 1911 Cyrus Petry with his wife, Alma Petry, (nee 
Flory) was installed into the deacon's office. William Bashore, a dea- 
con with his wife, Isabel Bashore, (nee Harshbarger) who had been 
elected at Casstown moved across the line into the Pleasant Hill Church 
but retained their membership at Troy by consent of the church. By 
request of the Mission Board Elder John Calvin Bright, with his fam- 
ily, moved to Troy, February 13, 1913 and took charge of the work, the 
Mission Board retaining oversight by Elder Bright's request. His wife, 
Hettie Bright (nee Stauffer) was elected superintendent of the Sun- 
day school, also of the Bible Class and Sisters' Aid Society. During 




Troy Church. 

the closing weeks of 1915 she canvassed nearly all the churches of 
Southern Ohio to pay off the indebtedness of the Troy Church and the 
debt was paid. A hidden trouble hindered the progress and growth of 
the church. Series of meetings were held by Elders Jacob Coppock, 
S. Z. Smith, J. O. Garst and Samuel Porter with good results but the 
leaven aforesaid overcame much of the good. 

During Holiday week of 1915, the Troy Church held the fourteenth 
annual Sunday-school Institute in the Court House auditorium. The 
attendance was small owing to the inclement icy weather. On March 
28, 1916, Elder John Calvin Bright and family, after three years of 
faithful work at Troy, moved to Potsdam, Ohio. Following Sylvan 



144 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Bookwalter, J. W. Fidler was elder-in-charge until 1918, since when 
I. G. Blocher is elder. Its pulpit during the last few years has been 
supplied by the Mission Board sending a minister each Sunday, among 
whom were O. B. Maphis and D. R. Murray. Elder Drue D. Funder- 
burg of New Carlisle, Ohio, had charge of the services for some time 
but recently went to Bethany Bible School. It is expected that C. H. 
Petry who has resided here the past year, will assume these duties. 
His brother, E. S. Petry who had lived here the past two years, moved 
to Greenville in the fall of 1919, to superintend the Brethren Home. The 
church house was remodeled in 1919, at an expenditure of about $2500. 
It was rededicated June 22, 1919. Elder Otho Winger preached the 
dedicatory sermon. The average attendance at Sunday school is 
thirty-one, and the membership numbers eighty. The future looks 
promising. 



(5) 

New Carlisle 

MUCH of the history of the New Carlisle Church, until it was 
organized in 1914, is a part of the history of the Donnel's 
Creek Church. It is located in the beautiful little town 
of New Carlisle, a place of about twelve hundred inhabitants, sur- 
rounded by fertile valley and rolling hills, that are dotted with 
prosperous homes of the descendants of the early pioneers. This 
church numbers among her members some of the best blood of these 
early pioneers. (See introduction to this group of churches as to who 
these early pioneers were.) 

Geographically, the church occupies a narrow strip of country, 
running from north to south, including parts of Clark, Miami, Mont- 
gomery, and Greene counties. In the early days the dividing line be- 
tween Donnel's Creek and Hickory Grove Churches, was the street 
running south in front of the present church edifice. Later it was 
moved westward about one mile. In 1915, a readjustment of the line 



of the Southern District of Ohio 145 

was made and a large part of the old Hickory Grove territory was 
added to this church. The church in 1919 numbers two hundred and 
forty members, one hundred of whom live in town. In 1864, the Breth- 
ren purchased the old-school Presbyterian church property of Jacob 
Garber to whom it had been transferred by the Miami Presbytery the 
year before. In this old church house, the New Carlisle Church had its 
real beginning. The appointments were held every four weeks until 
1889 when it was changed to every two weeks. Later, 1906, services 
were held each Lord's Day, morning and evening. To these services 
Elder J. E. Barnhart gave much of his time. 

Frooi the time of the regular Sunday-school services the congre- 
gation here was in a sense separate, in fact, if not in name, from the 
mother church. The spirit of the division grew. An effort to effect a 
separate organization failed because of a large poor fund which could 
not be divided. Finally March 18, 1914 with a large representation of 
members present at the Donnel's Creek Church, country house, the New 
Carlisle members relinquished their right to the poor fund and a line 
was established. They were given their house of worship and the 
privilege of effecting an organization. On March 28, 1914, a meeting 
for organization was called with Elders Jacob Coppock and Aaron Coy 
present. Elder David Leatherman was unanimously chosen as the first 
elder, for one year, of the new church. Residing within her boundaries 
were J. Howard Eidemiller and Drue D. Funderburg, both young 
ministers. 

Anthony K. Funderburg and Jason Denlinger were in the dea- 
con's office. Anthony K. Funderburg died however, in May, 1914. He 
had united with the church at the age of twenty-five, serving them 
about thirty-five years as deacon, a life long resident of the community, 
a lover of song and a leader of the congregation until late in life. In 
August 22, 1914, the official body was enlarged by the election of Roy 
B. Teach and Guy E. Studebaker to the deacon's office. J. Howard 
Eidemdller was ordained an elder February 20, 1915. In 1915 Samuel 
F. Studebaker, a deacon, was added by re-adjustment of church lines. 
In 1914 Elder D. S- Dredge moved in. In 1915 he was chosen elder 
for one year. In 1916 he was re-elected for three years. In 1915 Elder 
D. S. Filbrun moved in. Soon after his arrival, in the midst of a re- 
vival here that he was conducting, he was stricken and after a lingering 
illness passed away. Another revival that still stays in memory was 



146 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 147 

held in 1890 by Landon West and Armanis J. Hixson. The interest at 
the meeting was so intense that the house was unable to hold the peo- 
ple. This condition led to agitation for a new house. 

Accordingly the old house was replaced by the present structure 
(40x60) in 1892. In 1910 the house was re-arranged for Sunday- 
school purposes with two rooms and a balcony in the rear of the house. 
In 1917 the addition of an auditorium (30x40) with a vestibule (16x 
16) costing about $13,000 was made. The zeal in the enterprise was 
shown by the fact that the money was raised within a few days. 
Especial credit is to be given to the building committee, Wm. Funder- 
burg, Samuel Studebaker, H. A. Baker, S. H. Funderburg and Herbert 
Barnhart for their work. Elder David Leatherman who had moved to 
New Carlisle died here November 29, 1918. 

The first Sunday school held at this place was somewhat earlier 
than 1886. Some pioneers of the work were Peter Zinn and his wife, 
Charles Smith and wife, Simon Credlebaugh and wife, and Phoebe 
Lane. Elder Joseph Kauffman gave it much encouragement. E. E. 
Frantz was the first superintendent of the Sunday school of the newly 
organized church in 1914. Its average attendance is now (1919) one 
hundred and forty-eight. Elders A. S. Neher and John Gump have 
moved here from West Charleston, and J. E. Barnhart from Donnel's 
Creek. At a council meeting held May 25, 1918, Drue D. Funderburg 
was ordained to the eldership, Roy B. Teach elected to the ministry 
and Herbert Funderburg and Edward Teach to the deacon's office. 
With this addition of splendid helpers to the past fine official board, the 
future of the New Carlisle Church is bright. 

m m m m m m m 
(6) 

Springfield 

ABOUT the close of the nineteenth century the spirit of extension, 
operating from the fact of members moving to tne city, the 
Donnel's Creek brethren held meetings occasionally in Spring- 
field. Elder Joseph N. Kauffman held some meetings there in 1886. 



148 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Later in the ninties, Elders Henry Frantz, David Leatherman, Jacob 
Sandy and others filled some appointments for a time in a Baptist 
chapel on Pleasant Street with some regularity. In 1909. twenty-five 
members were found living in Springfield, of whom three or four fam- 
ilies owned their homes. Some of these members had no church asso- 
ciations for one or more years on account of inconvenience to reach 
the church house in the country seven miles away. In these early 
struggles in the city, the names of two widows need to be mentioned 
who unknown to themselves wielded a mighty influence for the church. 
These sisters were Elizabeth Grisso and Martha McCully. 




ill 




Springfield Church. 



The history of these early days would also be incomplete without 
the special mention of Adam Frantz and wife. Until the time that a 
minister was located here, they gave much of their time and means in 
working up an interest in the mission. Their home always has been 
wide open to brethren who passed this way. Early in 1909 the mem- 
bers held meetings in each others' homes for prayer and Bible study 
which were well attended from the start. Later in 1909 the Methodist 
chapel at Miami and George Street was secured, the Donnel's Creek 
ministers agreeing to preach every two weeks. This arrangement con- 
tinued until 1912. A storeroom was now secured on Main Street and 



of the Southern District of Ohio 149 



July 14, a Sunday school was organized. Irvin Leatherman was super- 
intendent. The storeroom proving an unsatisfactory place for services, 
another location was looked for and found in a lot at the intersection 
of Columbia and Shaffer Streets. This lot was bought by a member 
of the locating committee. Money, labor and material were donated by 
self-sacrificing brethren and a little church house (30x40) was built. 

The first Sunday-school and preaching service was held in it at 
2 p. m., July 6, 1913. In 1914 Donnel's Creek asked the District Con- 
ference to have the Mission Board of Southern Ohio to take charge of 
the Springfield mission. The Mission Board responded by co-operat- 
ing with the Donnel's Creek Church and placed Omer B. Maphis there 
as pastor, on July 1, 1915. He remained about one year and then left 
for Bethany Bible School. July 1, 1916, J. C. Inman moved with his 
family to Springfield and became the pastor of the church. 

In 1916, the Mission Board of Southern Ohio, formally took it 
under their control. Elder J. O. Garst was made elder in charge and 
a dividing line was drawn between the territory of the Donnel's Creek 
and Springfield churches. September 18, 1917, with Elder J. O. Garst 
presiding and Elders J. D. Sandy and Cyrus Funderburg present, the 
Springfield Church was formally organized and a full corps of officers 
elected. Two deacons were found within her territory, Ira Hoke and 
Joseph Bobo, and about eighty members. Series of meetings have been 
held here by R. N. Leatherman, J. O. Garst, Omer B. Maphis, J. C. 
Inman and Hugh Miller with good results. In 1918 the lot on which 
the church house stands was bought of C. M. Smith for $1,500 by the 
Mission Board. This lot (49^x149) is located in a good part of the 
city on a paved street. It also has on it a five-room house which is 
used for a parsonage. It is easy of access being just one and one-half 
blocks from two city car lines, and one-half block from the Ohio Elec- 
tric traction. The purchase of this property gives permanency to the 
work and the membership is much encouraged. Hiram Bailey, a min- 
ister, who has lived here periodically, now resides here again. Elder 
J. O. Garst is now (1920) the elder in charge, and J. C. Inman, the 
pastor, is doing a good work. The Sunday school has an average 
attendance of sixty, and the church numbers about ninety-two members. 
It is planned to erect a new edifice in the near future. 



150 History of the Church of the Brethren 



m m m m m m m 
(7) 

Rush Creek (Bremen) 

RUSH CREEK was so called because of a stream of that name 
near the old church house. It embraces Fairfield and Hocking 
counties. Hocking County is rough and hilly. Fairfield County 
is undulating, containing much good farm land. The oil industry was 
for a time very good but has declined. Only three of the brethren 
owned land on which oil was found so that fact did not benefit the 
church much financially. 

Bremen, where the new church house is located, is a thriving town 
of 1280 inhabitants. Here is where the work centers at the present 
time. The old church house built in 1857 is one mile south of this town. 
The Rush Creek Church was organized in 1809. Elijah Schofield and 
Jacob Staley preached here at time of organization. Twenty- five 
charter members were Casper HufTord and wife, Isaac Beery and wife, 
John Beery and wife, Henry Beery and wife, Solomon HufTord and 
wife, Daniel Hartsough and wife, George Bright and wife, Frederick 
Friesner and wife, Jacob Hunsacker and wife, John Mencle and wife, 
Abraham HufTord and wife, Sarah Hartsough and several others whose 
names are missing. The elder of this organization is unknown though 
probably it was Schofield or Staley. Daniel Snider from Perry County 
often visited here prior to the building of the church house on Raccoon 
and Rush Creek. Casper Hufford, John Mericle, Sr., and the father 
of John Hunsacker moved here the latter part of the 18th century. 

Isaac Beery was the first resident elder in charge of the church, 
being elected to the ministry some time after 1818. He was born June 
10, 1777, in Pennsylvania. He came to this locality in 1806 and mar- 
ried Mary Credlebaugh the same year. He became the efficient Pre- 
siding Bishop of the Church until his death June 18, 1851. He was the 
father of twelve children. He served his District on the Standing Com- 
mittee of 1843. George Bright was another early minister being elected 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



151 



at about the same time or a little later than Isaac Beery. Other pioneer 
preachers were Philip Stoneburner, John Hunsacker, and John Hen- 
dricks. Some serving later were Aaron Hartsough, Daniel Hartsough, 
Michael Moore, Abraham Stemen and John Hufford, a few of these 
about time of division. Brother Stoneburner was elected to the min- 
istry in 1838. He came from Muskingum County. He became an elder 
but never had charge of the church. He died before 1850. 

John Hunsacker was elected to the ministry in 1848. He became 
an able speaker. Elder Andrew Hutchison is reported to have said that 
Brother Hunsacker was more like a walking Bible than any man he 




Rush Creek Church. (Bremen House.) 



had ever met. He was the grandfather of P. H. Beery, Noah V. Beery 
and Isaac R. Beery. Brother Hunsacker became an elder and had 
charge of the church for quite a while, probably jointly much of the 
time with Elder Joseph Hendricks up to about 1865 or 1867. Elder 
Hunsacker died in Van Wert County, Ohio, February 5, 1883. Joseph 
Hendricks was elected to the ministry in 1851 and ordained in 1857, 
the same year that Brother Hunsacker was ordained. Elder Hendricks 
moved to Cerro Gordo, Illinois, in 1867, and died in 1881. His son, 
David Hendricks, was elected a deacon in 1875, and died here in 1914. 
I. D. Parker was elder for a number of years preceding the division. 
During this time D. X. Workman held a revival meeting, baptizing 



152 History of the Church of the Brethren 

fifty. In 1880 J. H. Worst came here as pastor, and remained until the 
division. Other non-resident ministers who visited here and helped in 
the interim in this period up to the time when it came under the juris- 
diction of the Southern Ohio in 1889 were Elders John P. Ebersole, 
Henry Davey, Whitmore Arnold and a few others whose names are 
not recorded. Elders I. J. Rosenberger and Eli Stoner also had charge 
of the church several years during this period. 

Up to this time it was under the care of the Northeastern District, 
with ministers supplied from abroad. As they could be secured more 
conveniently from Southern Ohio, the Mission Board took charge of 
the work and retained the oversight until 1902 when Elder E. B. Bag- 
well took charge and still presides. In 1884 Jesse Berry and Levi 
Stoner were elected to the ministry. Brother Stoner moved to Pennsyl- 
vania in 1892. Noah Beery was elected deacon in 1893. October 10, 
1914, Daniel Beery, Harvey M. Stoner and Jesse L. Bagwell were 
elected deacons. Other deacons who served the church previously 
were John Mericle, Samuel Hufford, Eli Hufford, John K. Beery, 
Solomon Hufford, Jefferson Dur, Abraham S. Beery (he was elected 
in 1871 and moved to Covington in 1892) and Emanuel Blosser elected 
about 1880. The new house (38x60) in Bremen was built of brick in 
1909. The old frame church (40x60) in Hocking County was built in 
1850. Services were held regularly every two weeks until 1914. It now 
stands unused, only six members living in the vicinity. 

The work in recent years has been the reviving of a once pros- 
perous church. At one time it numbered from 100 to 200 members 
most of whom were of the Beery relationship. At the present time not 
many of the Beerys remain, having moved to other localities. Elder 
E. B. Bagwell came here with his family in 1898. In 1911 the church 
became self-supporting. The official family consists of E. B. Bagwell 
elder and pastor, Levi Stoner, minister, Noah Beery, Daniel Beery, 
Harvey M. Stoner, and Jesse L. Bagwell, deacons. The member- 
ship numbered thirty-five and the Sunday school has an average at- 
tendance of thirty-two. Rush Creek is rich in memories and big in 
possibilities for the future. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 153 



m mm mm mm 

(3?, Lggj t c x i v ("*>) (<*>) [vj I'y J 

(8) 
Frankfort (Colored) 

IN the vicinity of Frankfort white members of the Church of the 
Brethren were to be found years before the organization of the 
Frankfort Church. As their history is found nowhere else, and their 
organizations are gone, it will be briefly related here. In 1827 there was 
organized, by persons living in the eastern part of Concord, a union 
church intended to be entirely undenominational. Samuel Briggs, Adam 
Mallow, John and Solomon Bush, Abraham Flegler and Martin Peter- 
son were the first trustees. A building was at once erected on the Frank- 
fort and Herrod's Creek turnpike, three miles west of Frankfort upon 
land donated by John Bush. The meetings previously held from house 
to house were continued in the new church, by visiting ministers of 
every denomination including Roman Catholics. In 1862 this property 
passed under the joint control of the Church of the Brethren and 
United Brethren denominations. In the western part of the township 
the Church of the Brethren then had many members, having a church 
house (Fairview) just beyond the Fayette county line. In this church 
Wm. D. Mallow a preacher of ability labored and lived. Adam Mallow 
Sr., and his son, Adam, came from Virginia in 1806. Adam Mallow, Jr., 
became a preacher settling near 1 Austin Station- His son, William D., 
lived on Herrod's Creek near the north Fork. Brother Mallow is to be 
remembered not only for his own work as a preacher but for his kind- 
ness to Samuel Weir, the first colored brother and preacher in Ohio, 
and elder of the Frankfort Church. 

Samuel Weir was born a slave in Bath County, Virginia, April 15, 
1812. His master, William Byrd, sold him when he was twelve years old 
to Andrew McClure for $280. He served Mr. McClure until he was 
thirty, then a little son of his master having been thrown from a horse 
and killed, the parents in their anguish, sought membership in the 
Church of the Brethren. They were told slave owners were not re- 
ceived into the fellowship of the church. Peter Nead was there at the 



154 History of the Church of the Brethren 

time and under his ministry, McClure and his wife became members of 
the church, first however, making Samuel Weir a free man though 
offered $1,500 for him by the slave traders. The upright conduct of 
his master had a marked effect on Samuel Weir, resulting soon in his 
being baptized by Peter Nead on Sunday, May 14, 1843. 

The laws of Virginia then were that though a slave be made free 
if he stayed in the State more than a year, he could be sold again. 
Samuel determined to set out for the free State of Ohio. His once 
master, now a brother though in moderate circumstances, not only hav- 
ing given him his freedom gave him a suit of clothes, a valuable horse, 
saddle and bridle and other necessary things for the journey. In the 
company of Brother B. F. Moomaw of Virginia for his guidance and 
protection he started on the long journey. After crossing the Ohio, 
the first stop was at Brother Thomas and Sarah Major's home who 
then lived in Scioto county. From thence they came to the home of 
John Moomaw in Twin Valley a few miles north of Bainbridge staying 
four days, thence came twelve miles north on Sunday, November 5, 
1843, to the Brethren meeting in the Bush meeting-house on Paint 
Creek three miles west of Frankfort. Here they met Elder Robert Cal- 
vert, John Cadwallader, and John Mohler. 

A statement of facts was given by Brother Moomaw and it was 
decided to receive this colored brother into the Paint Creek Church 
over which Robert Calvert had the oversight. (These white churches, 
Fairview, Paint Creek, Twin Valley, mentioned herein have long been 
extinct.) 

Brother Weir found a home at William Bryant's, a zealous min- 
ister of the church. Here he learned to read, being taught by Brother 
Bryant's little grandchild then ten years old, whose name was Catherine 
Long. He read his Bible through a number of times and became so well 
versed in it that he became helpful to many of his own race in the talks 
he made at different places. Finally he was invited to come out of 
Frankfort and preach to the white people at the Bush meeting house. 
Jacob Kelso, the minister, announced it five weeks previously. A great 
crowd was present. He spoke from Hebrew 11 :1. 2. And at the conclu- 
sion of the sermon the members were interrogated and were unanimous 
that he should be put to the ministry, and that day in August, 1849, 
Samuel Weir was installed a minister in the Church of the Brethren 
and told to go to his own race and hold meetings when opportunities 



of the Southern District of Ohio 155 

offered. For sixteen years he labored amid much discouragement but 
in August, 1865, won his first converts from his own race, Harvey Car- 
ter and wife, Martha. Brother and Sister Major came and baptism was 
administered in Paint Creek near Frankfort. 

It is estimated one thousand people witnessed this first baptismal 
scene. These new members lived in Frankfort, and so with these three 
began the Frankfort Church. In October, 1865, the first love feast was 
held. Five person were present, three colored members and Brother 
and Sister Major. At a meeting at Fairview, 1872, Brother Weir was 
authorized to baptize and solemnize marriages. For thirty-two years he 
had no help in the ministry. Finally, on February 9, 1881, Harvey Carter 
was installed into the ministry by Elders Thomas Major and Landon 
West. At this meeting Brother Weir was ordained to the eldership, 
and he was given the oversight of the colored members of the 
Scioto Valley. It was his desire to leave his house and lot as a 
donation for a church for his colored brethren, but because of a mort- 
gage and his failing health, he almost despaired. Brother Mallow came 
to Brother Weir's rescue, assumed the debt and he closed his life in 
peace. 

He died March 15, 1884. Funeral services were conducted by W. 
D. Mallow. He was spoken of by some as having been the best man in 
Frankfort. Through his Godly example, the church continued to thrive 
for awhile. A meeting house was built. Deacons were called into serv- 
ice, viz. : John Jones, John Wilson, and Newton Dolby. The wife of 
Brother Dolby, Sister Mattie Dolby (nee Cunningham), has been given 
the ministry of the gospel and speaks to the edification of her hearers. 
With her talents, prudence and literary qualifications she is a valuable 
asset to her race though she no longer lives in this locality. 

The pathos of the Frankfort story is that the Frankfort Church 
is no more. Harvey Carter the last resident minister and a man highly 
esteemed for his sprituality passed to his reward. His widow, Martha, 
afterwards married Peter Kelly. These two are the only members re- 
maining in Frankfort and so in 1917 the church house was sold. The 
work declined because of the lack of young workers, but it has not been 
in vain. Mostly it is through the efforts of white people, a colored mis- 
sion starts. Here the paradox is found that through the colored mis- 
sion at Circleville, we now have the Circleville Church of white members 
and through the white converts at a colored church, the call came for 



156 History of the Church of the Brethren 

preaching, resulting in the establishment of the Charleston Mission 
another white church. The work of Weir, of Carter and the Mays still 
lives though in a form little dreamed of by them. We owe much to our 
colored brethren. 



Circleville 

CIRCLEVILLE is a thriving little city of about seven thousand 
population, in the Scioto Valley, noted for its paper mills and 
canning industries. It is also the county seat of Pickaway 
County. The work here was started in the later seventies by Elder 
Samuel Weir among the colored people. He preached in the Florence 
settlement near Darbyville, Ross County and among the early members 
were, Mary Ewing, James and Charles May, Susan May (wife of 
James May), Sarah Willis, George Ewing, Lizzie Camber, Manley Gil- 
pin, George Mumma, a brother Stout and wife, a sister Harris and 
others. James May was baptized at Schooley's Station by Landon West 
in 1878. He was made deacon in 1882, a minister in 1884, and an elder 
in the nineties. He served the church faithfully, spending sometime in 
Arkansas under the direction of the General Mission Board. In his 
house at Circleville the first meetings were held and here he was or- 
dained. 

Later, a little church nearby his residence was built, and is still 
standing. Landon West and Jonas Horning organized the church about 
1888. Elizabeth May was the oldest member. She is sometimes called 
the mother of the church and was a charter member. Moses Johns, a 
deacon, was also a charter member. Charles May, a brother of James 
May, was also called to the ministry in Circleville, and later lived 
near Columbus, Ohio. Elder James May still lives in Circleville, aged 
but still zealous for the Master. 

In 1907 the membership of the colored people had disintegrated to 
such an extent that Elders Jonas Horning and D. M. Garver were sent 
to Circleville to dispose of the church property. Instead of selling the 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



157 



property, some meetings were held and a few converts were made 
among the white people. From this time on the work ceased among the 
colored people and Circleville Church became a work among the white 
people. Ada Eby was located here as a Sunday-school worker. Ministers 
were sent to preach with more or less regularity and the work prosper- 
ed. Finally, Earl Neff, a young minister who had married Sister Ada 
Eby was located here, and put in charge of the work. On account of the 
poor location and smallness of the old church house, the work could 
not prosper as it should. Agitation was started for a new church 
house. A lot was bought in a better section of the city, and through the 




Circleville Church. 



generosity of the members of Southern Ohio, a new commodious frame 
church was dedicated in 1912. In the same year Earl C. Neff and wife 
resigned the pastorate of the Circleville Church and on September 1, 
1912, Elder David S. Filbrun moved in and took up the work. Mina 
Bosserman also worked here awhile as a Sunday-school worker. Elder 
Filbrun having moved away the Mission Board secured Norman A. 
Conover and wife who began the work May 1, 1914. Ethel Sollenberger 
during this time was the Sunday-school worker. Norman A. Conover 
and wife resigned the work here June 1, 1916. C. C. Sollenberger and 
wife were the next to take up the work and remained until April 1, 
1918. At present the resident pastor is Elder Oliver Royer and wife 
who moved here September 1, 1918. 



158 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Through all these many changes in the pastorate, the work has 
prospered and the future looks bright. Under the direction of the Mis- 
sion Board Sylvan Bookwalter and Daniel Garver were elders in 
charge. At present I. G. Blocher is the elder. The membership now 
numbers twenty, and the average attendance of the Sunday school is 
sixty-seven. In the various years of the past, the number of members 
seems to rise and fall like the tide of the ocean. Indications are, that 
the flood tide will soon begin again. 



W^ 



(10) 
Charleston 

THE work began on Brush Ridge, Ross County, near the Vinton 
County line, fourteen miles northeast of Chillicothe, Ohio. The 
first call for services came from Manly Gilpin who had been 
baptized by James May (colored) at Circleville, Ohio, but who then lived 
on Brush Ridge. The brethren who responded to the call were Elders 
Jonas Horning, Henry Frantz, and D. M. Garver. At this time there 
was a log church house built here by the Bible Christians. Services were 
held sometimes in the church and sometimes in private homes. Trouble 
arose among the Bible Christians, the Church house was burned and 
the Mission Board of Southern Ohio took charge of the work. Calls 
came to the Mission Board to build a church house, one from Pike 
Run in Vinton County and one from Charleston in Ross County. 

The Mission Board decided to build at Charleston near the ceme- 
tery on a farm owned by Charles Miller. This occurred in 1895. The 
former church name, Chestnut Hill, was now changed to Charleston, 
and at the District Meeting of 1898, the change was so ordered on the 
roll call of the churches. The first revival in the new house was con- 
ducted by Elder Jacob Sandy in February, 1896. Charles Miller and 
Douglas Wheeland were the first two converts. The work of the church 
was under the supervision of Elders Jacob Sandy and David Leather- 
man for six years. May 1, 1902, Elder Samuel Snell and wife were 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



159 



called to take charge of the work. They lived here eighteen months and 
sacrificed much. They then returned to their former home in Mont- 
gomery County, but Elder Snell remained in charge for several years. 

The first Sunday-school worker was Katie Flory during the sum- 
mer of 1907. In the spring of 1908 she again took up the work. Being 
called home, Ida Erbaugh took her place June 13, 1908. During this 
time Lura Pittenger came to assist in the work and remained until 
August 26, 1908. Mina Hollinger filled this vacancy remaining from 
October 13, 1908 to August, 1909. Clara Funderburg was then obtained, 
coming October 2, 1909, and remained until April, 1910. Ida Erbaugh 
concluded her work at the same date. Through the sacrificing efforts 
of these sisters making ready the way, successful revival efforts were 




Charleston Church. 



held. Revivals in this church have been conducted by Samuel Snell, J. 
H. Brumbaugh, Lester Heisey, Charles Flory, B. F. Honeyman, O. P. 
Haines, J. O. Garst, Samuel Porter, Wm. Robbins, N. A. Conover 
and E. B. Bagwell. June 14, 1910, Lester Heisey with his wife took 
charge as pastor and remained until December, 1914. J. E. Barnhart 
and Sylvan Bookwalter were elders during these years. Following 
Elder Bookwalter, D. M. Garver served as elder. In 1910 a sub- 
stantial frame parsonage of eight rooms was built by the Mission 
Board. April 8, 1915, Lee Patton was chosen to the ministry and 
William Ward to the deacon's office. December 1, 1914, Oliver Royer 



160 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



with his wife, Bessie Royer, (nee Puterbaugh), took charge as pastor 
and served efficiently until he moved to Circleville, September 1, 1918. 
The following is the official board at present: Ira G. Blocher, elder; 
Lee Patton, a minister, is pastor; Simon Merriman, a deacon, his wife, 
Samantha Merriman, (nee Strawser) ; William Ward, a deacon, his 
wife, Lottie Ward, (nee Rutter). The members number thirty-four 
and the Sunday school averages thirty. 




Elder Oliver Royer. 
A former pastor of this church. 

In connection with the story of the work done in Ross County it 
might be well to speak of the sporadic efforts made in Meigs County. 
In 1878 a request was made to the District Meeting held in the Upper 
Twin Church, for brethren to come and preach the Word in that 
county. Elders A. Flory and S. Garber were appointed at that meeting 
to see that ministers visited the members of Meigs County. However 
though other preachers paid the mission occasional visits and a com- 
mittee was appointed by the District Meeting of 1890, consisting of 
John Smith and Jeremiah Katherman to look after the mission the re- 
sults here were largely the efforts of one man, James H. Graham, so 
much so in fact that when he died, the mission likewise seems to have 
become extinct. He was probably the only minister of the Church of the 
Brethren who ever lived in Meigs County. He was elected here and 
preached in the neighborhood of Downington which was his home be- 
fore and during the decade from 1890 to 1900, and up to his death, 
the exact date of which is not available. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 161 

He was a man of ordinary education, well versed in the scrip- 
tures, conscientious in his interpretations, and noncompromising in his 
preaching-. He held services in private homes, school houses and some- 
times preached in churches of other denominations but no church 
house of the Brethren was ever erected. Meigs County mission has 
ceased to exist while Ross County work prospers. 



m m M w m m m 

(JyO k3p, kjz) (JgJ beJ (MJ CieJ 



CHAPTER V. 



The Twin Creek Group 



.«)pj («*>) k«jp; iqpJ i«i»i i«)P/ i <v> 



W?& 



[ 


■ 



Sugar Hill Church. 



Introduction 



THIS embraces what was first called Twin Church and Price's 
Creek Church. It now contains parts of Preble, Darke, Mont- 
gomery, Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties. The 
stream, Twin Creek, was so named by the Indians long before the 
white man came. Price's Creek received its name from Major 
Price, a first settler on its banks. The entire region was settled by the 
white man in the first three decades of the last century. The settlers 
who penetrated these wilds found it almost inaccessible because of 
interminable forest and thick undergrowth. There were few wagon 
roads when Preble County was first being settled even open to the 
emigrant. In fact, it was a common experience for travelers to cut 
their way as they journeyed. 

The newcomers were generally poor and brought little capital into 
the new country but an abundance of courage and initiative well suited 
to the task of subduing the wilderness. The first Dunker settlement in 
this region originated on Aukerman Creek, so called because John 
Aukerman first resided in its vicinity. He was born in Frederick County, 
Maryland, and about the year 1789, removed with his parents from 
Virginia to Hamilton County, Ohio. About ten years later the family 
settled in Montgomery County. In 1801 John was married to Mary 
Hole and in 1804 came to Preble County and settled on the stream 
since known as Aukerman Creek. Samuel Teal, native of Maryland 
and afterwards a resident of Virginia, came to Ohio in the fall of 1806 
with John Halderman and family. He settled at the mouth of Auker- 
man Creek, buying out John Aukerman. Aukerman then moved near 
Eaton where he died in 1867. Samuel Teal continued to reside on the 
place he had purchased until 1819, when he died, aged about fifty-seven 
years. Teal will always be remembered, not only because he was one 
of the first members of the Church of the Brethren in all this group of 



166 History of the Church of the Brethren 

churches, but more especially, because his cabin home became the 
first place of worship of the Brethren in all this territory. Twin Church, 
the name given to the first church of this section, was divided into 
the Upper Twin and Lower Twin in 1830. These divisions and names 
were changed into Upper Twin and Sugar Hill in 1913. 

The Price's Creek Church remains with its boundary the same 
throughout the century, with a large measure of internal growth and 
development. This is a wide-awake organization. In the lower end of 
the Lower Twin Church territory was the Middletown mission, which 
developed into the present Middletown Church. This church as well as 
the Cincinnati Church, at the far southern extremity of this group, 
along with Hodgensville and Constance, in Kentucky, will be considered 
in this division of churches in connection with the albove named. 
They will be noted in this order: Twin, Sugar Llill (Lower Twin), 
Upper Twin, Price's Creek, Hodgensville, Constance, Cincinnati, and 
Middletown. 



ww.mw 



(i) 

Twin 

THE Brethren were among the first settlers in Twin valley, Preble 
County, settling in every part of the county. Some of them be- 
came members of the Four Mile Church organized in 1809, 
but most of them were members of the Twin Church. The first set- 
tlers were the Eikenberrys, Teals, Aukermans, Albaughs, Haldermans, 
Browers, Brubakers, Florys, Harts, Heckmans, Rineharts, Markeys, 
Ebys, Barnharts and Youngs. The first preachers were Peter Eiken- 
berry and John Hart. Later on came Abraham Flory and John Brower. 
Peter Eikenberry was doubtless the father of Henry Eikenberry who 
came with his wife and five children near the beginning of the last 
century, locating in the southwest part of Lanier Township. They 
camped there for six weeks after which they moved into a log house 
they had builded. For a year there was no other settler within a mile. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 167 

When Peter Eikenberry died, his burial was the first in the nearby 
cemetery. His age is unknown, but he must have been past middle age 
when he came to Ohio as his son, Henry, was born in 1772, Abraham 
Flory was born in Franklin County, Virginia, from which state he 
emigrated to Ohio and settled in Gratis Township in 1823. 

As early as 1805 or 1806, members of the church consisting of the 
Teals, Aukermans and Haldermans gathered at Samuel Teal's home 
for religious worship. From this small beginning the Twin Church be- 
gan. Elder John Hart came from Virginia in 1808 and with the assis- 
tance of Elder Jacob Miller of the Lower Miami Church organized the 
Twin Church in 1809. A more complete reorganization probably oc- 
curred in 1820. The Teal dwelling continued the place of meeting every 
four weeks, but as more members moved in, their homes in turn were 
used for this purpose, church houses not being in evidence for many 
years. Many members moved in from other states, some coming up 
from the Stonelick Church, Clermont County. Twin territory now em- 
braced the larger part of Preble County, the northern part of Butler, 
and the southwestern part of Montgomery. Elder John Hart was the 
Presiding Elder as long as it remained one organization. In 1830, Twin 
Church was divided into the Lower Twin and Upper Twin churches 
The line was very irregular, being made to suit the elders, leading 
deacons and members. 



85 



(2) 

Sugar Hill (Lower Twin) 

THE Lower Twin Church was presided over from its organiza- 
tion in 1830 by Elder John Brower until his death, April 27, 
1863, at the age of eighty years. Elder Brower came from 
Pennsylvania. He purchased his farm in Lanier Township, Feb- 
ruary 23, 1830. He may have come several years earlier. He was, doubt- 
less, the son of John Brower, Sr. If so, his father died about 1813 in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, and his mother, Mary Magdalena, in 



168 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Miami County, Indiana, September 3, 1845, aged eighty-five years and 
one month. His brothers were Abraham, Jacob and George, and his 
sisters, Susan, Polly and Betsy. Jacob and George were both minis- 
ters. Jacob moved to Mexico, Indiana, in 1837 and John in 1843. Elder 
John Brower was married to Rebecca Harter and had nine children: 
Israel, Jonas, John, George, Catherine, Molly, Diannah, Elizabeth and 
Rebecca. His wife died November 19, 1858, aged seventy-seven years, 
one month and two days. He served on the Standing Committee in 
1843, 1850, 1858 and 1862. 




Tom's Run Church. 



The Brower meeting house was built on his farm about 1845 or 
earlier as the deed was made September 22, 1838. Nearby the church 
the cemetery, in which his remains lie, was laid out. The church house 
west of Gratis known as the Brubaker Church, no longer used, was 
built during the eldership of John Brower. The Tom's Run house which 
was erected about 1860, also, was built during his eldership. His son, 
Israel Brower, was married to Susannah Swihart February 17, 1828. 
She died May 4, 1863, aged fifty-six years, eleven months, and five 
days. He was elected in 1852 and was known as the "weeping preacher." 
He moved to Lower Stillwater in 1868, to Lower Miami in 1872, and 
died in 1879. David Mishler moved here in 1848 and departed this life 
in 1854. He was a sweet English and German singer, speaking both 
languages. The wife of J. W. Fiddler is a granddaughter. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 169 

After Elder Brower's death, the church was presided over by 
elders of adjoining churches until sometime after the moving in of 
Elder Abraham Younce who came about 1865, although he did not 
take charge until some years later. His work was much appreciated by 
the church and he was in great demand to officiate at funerals. He pre- 
sided until his decease in 1881. The Twin Valley house was very sub- 
stantially erected in 1874 during his leadership. It is now torn down. 
Among the preachers who labored here in the 70's were David Flory 
and Jacob Lowman. Both later affiliated with the Old Orders. 

Ezra Gilbert came here and assisted in the ministerial labors in the 
70's. Elder Francis Cotterman was elected to the ministry here about 
1864, ordained about 1873, and presided from 1881 to 1884, and a few 
years later he moved near Dayton. He died May 2, 1899, aged seventy- 
one years. Elder Landon West presided here from 1884 to 1889, Elder 
Jonas Horning served as deacon from 1876 to 1881 ; as minister from 
1881 to 1889; as elder from 1889 to 1910. His wife was Catherine 
Bowser. They have been faithful servants. D. M. Garver moved here 
in 1889 and spent twenty years of faithful service. He was ordained 
here August 2, 1898. He left Lower Twin Church and moved to Trot- 
wood Church in 1909. Aaron Brubaker is a product of the Twin 
Churches. He was a member of the Upper Twin Church, but after his 
marriage to Clara Eikenberry he held his membership most of the time 
in Lower Twin, where he was elected deacon November 5, 1884; to the 
ministry November 3, 1886, and ordained on August 1, 1905. He pre- 
sided over Lower Twin from 1910 to 1913. After the new arrangement 
he presides over Upper Twin with much prudence. Sister Brubaker is 
an active helper. Emanuel Shank moved here in 1891 from Lower 
Miami, thence back again to that church in 1896. J. Franklin Brubaker 
was elected to the ministry August 3, 1879, in Lower Twin and was 
ordained August 2, 1910, in the same church. He resides in West 
Alexandria and is a careful overseer over the Sugar Hill Church since. 
December 16, 1913.. He has a judicious assistant in his wife, who was 
Elizabeth Brubaker before marriage. 

Noah Erbaugh was elected deacon, August 3, 1897, minister No- 
vember 5, 1907, and ordained June 2, 1914. He is a useful minister. 
He married Lauretta Bowman. In the fall of 1918 they moved to the 
Poplar Grove Church. David Priser was born here. He married Emma 
Bowman. He was elected deacon May 21, 1908, and to the ministry 



170 History of the Church of the Brethren 

June 2, 1914. He has spent some time in Manchester College in prep- 
aration, where he still resides. 

The deacons of this church were Levi Brubaker, his wife, Han- 
nah Brubaker, (nee Cloyd), Henry Brower, his wife, Catherine Brower, 
(nee Bock), Joseph Brubaker, his wife, Nancy Brubaker, (nee Flory), 
Henry Flory, his wife, Marillis Flory, (nee Pegans), Jacob Yingling, 
David Wampler, his wife, Sarah Wampler, (nee Shoup), Henry Wray, 
his wife, Mary Wray, (nee Bates), Rudy Haines, his wife, Sophia 
Haines, (nee Kuns), Henry Brubaker, his wife, Esther Brubaker, (nee 
Paulus), Philip Priser, his wife, Eliza Priser, (nee Snyder), John 
Kinsey, his wife, Ada Kinsey, (nee Fudge), Christian Eikenberry, 
his wife, Sarah Eikenberry, (nee Young), Henry Lowman, his wife, 
Hannah Lowman, (nee Wilson), Harvey Erbaugh, his wife, Mary Er- 
baugh, (nee Brower), Joseph Lowman, his wife, Virgie Lowman, (nee 
Brubaker), Isaac Bowser, his wife, Hattie Bowser, (nee Heck), 
Arthur Fuls, his wife, Ida Fuls, (nee Priser), Joseph Brower, his wife, 
Liretta Brower, (nee Brown). The latter moved in from Four Mile in 
1918. 

As hinted in the introductory of the story of the Twin Church, 
the line was very irregular and inconvenient, yet seemed hard to change. 
In some places the members lived within a few rods of the church house 
in one district, yet belonged to the other church whose house of wor- 
ship was five or more miles away. One of the churches was in the 
other district. After several years consideration and different efforts 
a meeting was held December 16, 1913. This meeting made a new line. 
The western part of this territory was named the Upper Twin Church 
with Elder Aaron Brubaker, overseer, assisted by Elders Fletcher 
Deaton, B. F. Petry, and Robert Dillon. The deacons were Christian 
Eikenberry, Levi Rinehart, Ed Rinehart, William Brubaker, John 
Smith, Martin Driver, Frank Showalter, and Joseph Lowman ; three 
places of meeting: Wheatville, Gratis, and Beech Grove. The' Eastern 
part made a new division called the Sugar Hill Church, which included 
Tom's Run, Sugar Hill and Middletown with J. F. Brubaker, Presiding 
Elder, assisted by Elder Jonas Horning, Noah Erbaugh and Samuel 
Miller in the ministry, and deacons Jacob Pfoutz, Philip Priser, Henry 
Lowman, John Kinsey and Harvey Erbaugh. The Middletown work 
was continued as a mission in this church's territory until taken over 
by the Mission Board of Southern Ohio. (See History of Middletown 
Church.) 



of the Southern District of Ohio 171 

The changing of church lines which sometimes placed preachers 
and deacons in different congregations without their moving, makes 
the histories of Sugar Hill and Upper Twin difficult, without being 
read conjointly. Noah V. Beery, a minister, with his wife, Eliza Beery, 
(nee Bowman), moved here from Four Mile Church, Indiana, in the 
fall of 1918. D. P. Groff, a deacon, with his wife, Clara Groff, (nee 
Royer), moved here in the spring of 1919. John H. Good, with his wife, 
Emma Good, (nee Fuls), was elected to the ministry, March 1, 1919. 
The church has 130 members, and a combined average attendance of 
ninety-one at the two Sunday schools. Tom's Run Sunday school sup- 
ports Martha Landis as a missionary worker. at Cincinnati. Sugar 
Hill congregation is a splendid field for service. 



as as ass as as as as 

(3) 

Upper Twin 

ELDER John Hart was the Presiding Elder from the organization, 
until he moved to Indiana in 1849. Born in Pennsylvania in 1773, 
he moved to Augusta County, Virginia, from whence he 
emigrated to Preble County in 1808. His first wife was 
Elizabeth Sellers. They had ten children. After the death of his first 
wife he married a sister of Elder Moses Shoup. He followed the 
tailor's trade and with his daughters used to travel from house to house 
and make garments for both sexes. He was a member of the Standing 
Committee of 1841, 1843, 1848 and 1850. He was able and devoted. He 
died in Carroll County, Indiana, in 1856. Jacob Brower and George 
Brower, early ministers here in the 30's are noticed in connection with 
Lower Twin history. 

Elder Daniel Miller came from Stonelick Church in 1829 where he 
had been deacon and minister. He was ordained in 1835 and was a mem- 
ber of the Standing Committee in 1853, 1858, 1863, and 1868. He pre- 
sided over the church from 1849 to 1879. He was an able counselor, 
serving on many select committees, energetic in the pastoral visit and a 



172 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



father to his flock. Another early minister was Elder Joseph Eiken- 
berry who' died comparatively young, August 21, 1840, aged thirty-nine 
years, six months and sixteen days. He was a power in the pulpit. Elder 
Joseph Leedy, his wife, Lydia Leedy, (nee Witter), was elected here 
in 1850 but in a few years moved to Indiana, where he gave full proof 
of his ministry. He died January 13, 1903. Elder Nathan Haywood pre- 
sided over this church from 1879 to 1881 when he withdrew with the 
Old Orders. He was born in Concord, Massachusetts, September 8, 
1807. When he was four years old, his parents moved to the state of 
New York in the winter time on a sled, and when he was twelve, to 




Wheatville Church. 



Clermont County, Ohio, coming by way of the Ohio River on a raft 
to Cincinnati. He was married March 5, 1829, to Margaret Frey, set- 
tling' near Goshen, Clermont County. He was elected to the ministry 
in the Stonelick Church in 1838. With the exception of 1833 to 1835 in 
Preble County, 1856 to 1858 in Illinois and 1865 to 1867 in Indiana, he 
lived in the Stonelick Church. In 1867 he located permanently in 
Preble County. He was the father of eight children and was a man of 
earnest religious zeal. 

Elder Henry W. Bare was born in Pennsylvania, August 25, 
1803. He married Mary Ann Fourman December 21, 1826, and they had 
fifteen children. He was early called to the deaconship and with Jesse 



of the Southern District of Ohio 173 

Rover, also a deacon, was called to the ministry about 1850. Both were 
fine scriptorians and useful in the ministry. Elder Bare presided over 
this church from 1881 to 1883, also over the Four Mile Church, Indi- 
ana. He died August 25, 1885. Elder Jesse Royer was born in Mary- 
land, July 25, 1801. He was married to Susannah Eby March 27, 1828 
with whom he reared nine children. He died February 23, 1885. Other 
ministers who worked here were Isaac Miller who lived here in the 
latter 50's, then moved to Michigan. He had come from Virginia with 
A. Detrick, a preacher of the Salem Church ; Elder Josiah Eikenberry, 
who died February 18, 1884, aged fifty-three years, two months, and 
two days. He gave much promise as an elder and presided over the 
church from 1883 to 1884. His wife, Ebulah Eikenberry, (nee Young) 
died in 1897, aged sixty-three years, three months and twenty-three 
days. Samuel Miller and Isaac Young were elected in 1881. Brother 
Young gave promise of much usefulness in the ministry but was 
hindered in the work. His wife was Amanda Billman. He died in 1908. 
Brother Miller had been a deacon for many years and still survives. 
He married Margaret Marker. 

John Miller was a minister here in the 70's and went with the Old 
Orders. John Stoner was elected in 1877 and also went with the Old 
Orders in 1881. A. G. Crosswhite came here in 1887 from Tennessee. 
He labored with much acceptance until 1897, when he moved to Carroll 
County, Indiana. Milton Barwick was elected to the ministry on Novem- 
ber 7, 1889. He moved to Canada in 1902. He became editor of the 
Inglenook, and died suddenly at Elgin, Illinois, May 7, 1908. His wife 
was Edith Workman. B. F. Petry was elected in 1894 to the ministry. 
He has done much evangelistic work. He married Jennie Kitterman. 
Arthur Flenry was elected to the ministry but after several years was 
installed as a deacon. Robert Dillon was elected to the ministry in 
1908. His wife was Jennie Deaton. Joseph Nill, elected in 1899, moved 
to Oklahoma. William Deaton was elected to the ministry in 1916. 

This church was for more than a score of years under the care of 
non-resident elders. Jacob Rife of Four Mile, from 1884 to 1886 ; 
Jacob Garber of Wolf Creek, from 1886 to 1897; John Calvin Bright 
of Wolf Creek, from 1897 to 1907. The next to preside was Fletcher 
Deaton who came as a minister from Virginia in 1902 to Lower Twin, 



174 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



then here in 1903. He and B. F. Petry were ordained here in 1906. 
Elder Deaton was chosen to preside in 1907 and continued to 1911. 
He proved a good and efficient overseer. He is a fine exhorter. ]". F. 
Brubaker served 1911 to 1912 and B. F. Petry 1912 to 1913. Since then 
Aaron Brubaker has had charge. Peter and Elizabeth Fisher (nee 
Brower) served in the deacon's office here from 1828 to 1836. Their 
descendants number twenty-four preachers in the West, notably the 
Fishers in Indiana, etc. Jacob Rinehart, a deacon, died here December 
17, 1853, aged 72 years, 6 months and 3 days. Other deacons serving 
here were David Rinehart, John Brower, John Wine, David Ullerv, 




Gratis Church. 



Samuel Zook, John Ockerman, John Albaugh in 1845, David Karns, 
Jacob Brubaker, David Albaugh, Henry Young, his wife, Elizabeth 
Young, (nee Teal), John Brubaker, Big Abe Miller, his wife, Lydia 
Miller, (nee Rodabaugh), James Swihart, his wives, Mary Swihart and 
Catherine Swihart, (nee Miller and Young), Enoch Rinehart, his wives, 
Elizabeth Rinehart and Rebecca Rinehart, (nee Young and Barwick), 
Jacob Pfoutz, his wife, Lucinda Pfoutz, (nee Early), Solomon Nill, his 
wife, Barbara Nill, (nee Wise), Charles Henry, his wives, Catherine 
Henry and Sarah Henry, (nee Cassel and Showalter), Reuben Furry, 
his wife, Kate Furry (nee Albaugh), George Petry, his wife, Anna 
Petrv, (nee Wehrlev), Levi Rinehart, his wife, Anna Mariah Rine- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 175 

hart, (nee Eikenberry), Harvey Erbaugh, his wife, Mary Erbaugh, 
(nee Brower), William Brubaker, his wife, Alice Brubaker, (nee Bru- 
baker), Christian Eikenberry, his wife, Sarah A. Eikenberry, (nee 
Young), John Smith, his wife, Ida Smith, (nee Ulrich), Martin Driver, 
his wife, Katie Driver, (nee Weikel), Frank Showalter his wife, Bertha 
Showalter, (nee Tillberry). 

For over half a century the meetings were held at the homes of 
the members. The church house was built in Wheatville in 1862. In 
1860 at Sugar Hill, in 1870 at Beech Grove. Services were held also 
at Scuffletown school house. Each place had one service every four 
weeks until the last of the nineteenth century. This church suffered 
considerably by the withdrawal of the Old Orders in 1881. Upper 
Twin Church has now one hundred and eighty members and an average 
attendance of thirty-nine at the Gratis Sunday school and forty-five at 
the Wheatville Sunday school. In the spring of 1912, the Reformed 
church house in Gratis was purchased, remodeled and dedicated in 
June of the same year, Charles L. Flory preaching the dedicatory ser- 
mon, since which, preaching services and Sunday school are held. May 
25, 1919, the Universalist church house at Eaton was rented and serv- 
ices and Sunday school begun there, the services in the Beech Grove 
house being discontinued. This church's work is widening wonderfully. 



mmm 

j&) L C <?J 19P> 



(4) 

Price's Creek 

THIS church, near the Ohio and Indiana state line, including the 
northern part of Preble and the southern part of Darke coun- 
ties, contains an area of one hundred and eighty square miles. 
The church derives its name from the stream flowing near by, with the 
main house of worship erected upon its banks. The other church houses 
are located, one at Castine and the other in the northwestern part of the 
district called the Cedar Grove house. 



176 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 177 



About the year 1820 a few members who doubtless became mem- 
bers of the early Twin Church, settled on or near the above named 
stream. And in the year 1832 twelve members came from Pennsylvania, 
including Elder Jacob Petry the first minister of the church and three 
deacons, Samuel J. Wehrly, George H. Wehrly, and Henry Petry. 
Two years later or in 1834 an organization was effected, Elder John 
Hart of the Upper Twin Church assisting, which formed the nucleus 
of the Price's Creek Church. Services were held regularly every four 
or six weeks. Having no house of worship these meetings were held 
in their humble cabins that dotted, here and there, the neighborhood. 
These meetings were of a great spiritual uplift' to the membership, and 
exerted a powerful influence for good in the community. Under its 
organization the membership rapidly increased both by conversion and 
immigration. In 1838, or four years after the organization, John din- 
ger was elected to the ministry, being the first brother called to the 
ministry here. Brother dinger gave much promise of usefulness to 
the church but died in 1847, at the age of fourty-three years. 
His widow lived to be quite old, and together with Sister Susanna 
Shuman, being of the same age, was permitted to live for nearly a 
century and many were the days that they enjoyed Christian fellowship 
together. 

In the meetings held in private homes above spoken of, benches 
made from puncheons split from logs with holes bored in to insert legs, 
were conveyed from one place to another wherever the meeting was 
held. These meetings were largely attended, seemingly by every one 
from far and near, all remaining for dinner, which was the custom in 
those days. In the afternoon having a social time together, and occa- 
sionally preaching services, especially when a minister was present 
from a distance. In the evening they all repaired to their homes thank- 
ing and praising God for the spiritual feast, and with their mode of 
travel they took as much pleasure in the horse back ride or the huge old 
wagon filled to its brim with humanity, as is now enjoyed the auto- 
mobile and the traction car. 

The same year of its organization, the second wife of George H. 
Wehrly was baptized. Then in the following year a number of members 
emigrated from Pennsylvania and were received by letter. The year 
following or 1836, six more were baptized, and in 1837, four more were 
received by baptism. In 1840, Samuel Petry and wife and George 



178 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Michael and wife were baptized. Then in 1842, Wendell Minnich and 
wife and the wife of L. T. Wehrly were baptized. 

A number of years following 1842, seemed to be a seeding time 
and in 1849 a bountiful harvest was reaped, in which ten prominent 
members were received into the church, among whom Levi Miller and 
wife were baptized. He was a son of Catherine Miller who emi- 
grated from Pennsylvania in 1832 with her seven fatherless children, 
four sons and three daughters, she being a widow for fifty-two years, 
and then went to her long home to reap her reward. She had been a 
great worker in the church, lived a very zealous and consecrated life, 
and was called at the age of ninety-one years. Left to mourn her depar- 
ture were five children, sixty-five grandchildren and one hundred and 
thirty great grandchildren of which a large part are prominent mem- 
bers of the church to-day. Brother Levi was also ninety-one years old 
when he departed this life. 

The other members that united with the church in 1849 were, 
George Siler and wife, Aaron Wehrly and wife, Henry P. Wehrly and 
wife, and Joseph Studebaker and wife, and several members were re- 
ceived by letter the same year. So by this time the church had quite 
a nucleus of members, the membership having increased to about forty. 
In 1848 Wendell Minnich was elected to the ministry. He also gave 
promise of much usefulness and was mighty in the scripture. His wife, 
Katherine Minnich, (nee Kreider) being a sister of Elder Tobias Krei- 
der, lived to a great age, always laboring in the cause she so greatly 
loved. June 4, 1849 Elder Jacob Petry died. The church now for seven 
years was without a resident elder. In 1849, Taswell Gray was elected 
to the ministry. 

In 1850 the first house of worship was erected, which was located 
at Castine. This house was 25x35 feet in dimensions, hewn from logs 
cut from the nearby forests. The puncheon flooring and benches also 
served them best for their convenience in those days. In 1854 George 
Siler was elected to the ministry, being the fourth minister elected since 
the organization. In 1856 Wendell Minnich was ordained to the elder- 
ship and presided over this body until his death which occurred in 
1862. He was the first elder ordained in this church. In 1857 Alfred 
Ogle was elected to the ministry, but in the following year moved to 
Iowa. Resin Stephens and Samuel Petry were elected to the ministry 



of the Southern District of Ohio 179 

in 1859. In the meantime regular services were being held at the Cas- 
tine house but not being adequate to accommodate the attendance a 
new house of worship was erected in 1864 upon the west bank of 
Price's Creek. The house at present being the same structure, but 
since has been remodeled in the- year 1907 and again in 1918. Then in 
1865 H. P. Wehrly was elected to the ministry, and the same year 
George Siler was ordained to the eldership, Elder Siler presiding over 
the body until the Old Order Brethren withdrew in 1881. In 1867 
Lewis Holtzmueller was elected to the ministry. In 1867 a new house 
of worship was erected on the east bank of Twin Creek, on the site 
at Castine where it at present stands, and- which has since been 
remodeled once in 1904 and again in 1915. In 1880 Daniel Garber was 
elected to the ministry. He went with the Old Orders in 1881 with 
Elder Siler and the two ministers, Wehrly and Holtzmueller. 

At a called council September 4, 1881, what is known as rhe "Old 
Order Brethren" withdrew from the main body here which greatly 
reduced the membership in Price's Creek. In the numiber that withdrew 
there were the four ministers just mentioned, (one of whom was an 
elder), four deacons and forty members, while there remained in the 
church two ministers, three deacons and about seventy members. The 
deacons remaining were Nicholas Bucher, Jacob M. Petry and Levi 
Miller. At the same meeting Resin Stephens and Samuel Petry were 
ordained as the church had been left with no one in the eldership, from 
which time Elder Stephens presided over the body until 1893. For a 
few years the progress of the church was very slow. Also in the year 
1881 Luther Petry was elected to the ministry. He labored with the 
brethren for nine years, then located in other fields until the year, 1916, 
when he returned and is now laboring with the home church again. 
In the year, 1885, Joseph Longanecker located in the Price's Creek 
Church, he being the first minister received into the church bv letter 
since its organization. The year following or in 1886 Henry Longa- 
necker held the first series of meetings. Though the meetings continued 
only one week, the spiritual uplift was great, with one accession, but 
with the close of the years 1886 and 1887 more than forty converts 
were received into the church through the holy ordinance of baptism. 

In the year, 1892, Andrew Miller was chosen to the deacon's office, 
and the same year was elected to the ministry and ordained in 1902. 
Henry Eby was elected to the ministry in 1892, and in 1907 located in 



180 History of the Church of the Brethren 

the Bear Creek Church. In 1893 the church was left without a Presid- 
ing Elder, Resin Stephens having moved away. The following year 
Elder Tobias Kreider was chosen to fill the position which he held 
until the year 1900 when he presented his resignation, and the same 
year Joseph Longanecker was ordained to the eldership, and presided 
over the body until 1918. After a short period in the Palestine 
Church Elder Stephens again took up his membership in this church. He 
was born October 7, 1822, and died January 18, 1903. In the year 1902, 
H. H. Petry and Sylvan Bookwalter were elected to the ministry. 
Brother Petry in preparation for the ministry at North Manchester, 
Indiana, met with an accident in 1904 which resulted in his death. 
Brother Bookwalter's labors have been largely confined to the Cedar 
Grove house as much of the time he was the only minister. He was 
ordained to the eldership in 1910. He also has been a member of the 
Missionary committee for three successive terms. Herschel Weaver 
was elected to the ministry in 1907, spent some time in preparation 
at North Manchester and Bethany, was ordained to the eldership in 
1917 and has presided over the church since 1918. Herbert Richards 
was elected to the ministry in 1908, but soon after located elsewhere. 

The first Sunday school was organized in the year, 1888, at the 
Price's Creek house, Joseph Longanecker being the first superinten- 
dent. The school soon after developed into a strong body of Sunday- 
school workers. On April 24, 1894, the first Sunday school was organ- 
ized at the Castine house which also gave evidence of much fruitful- 
ness in Sunday-school development. The same year the Cedar Grove 
house was built. In 1911 Oliver Royer was elected to the ministry, but 
soon went to other fields of labor. Lester Heisey was received by let- 
ter in 1914. Locating near the Cedar Grove house he labored with 
the members at that point, but after two years of work removed to 
other fields. Wesley Hollinger was received by letter in 1916, and is 
now, with his companion, laboring with the Cedar Grove members. 
Joseph P. Robbins also about this time lived here a short while. 

- Elder George Stump and wife were received by letter in 1917. 
He, with his wife, spent their youthful days in this community/and were 
baptized here more than fifty-five years ago, but soon after removed 
to the Palestine Church. They now have returned to enjoy Christian 
fellowship in the old home church. C. C. Petry was received by letter 
in 1917. He also was received into the church in his youthful days at 



of the Southern District of Ohio 181 



this place. He had been located in the Four Mile Church, Indiana. 
Price's Creek Church is at present represented on both the committees 
of the Brethren Home and Mission Board of Southern Ohio. A. B. 
Miller is both a charter member of the Home and its secretary 
and treasurer, while C. A. Baker occupies the same offices for the 
Mission Board. 

The following were deacons here with dates of beginning of 
service : Samuel J. Wehrly, George H. Wehrly and Henry Petry in 
1832 before the organization of the church ; Nicholas Bucher by let- 
ter in 1849; Jacob M. Petry and Henry Hoff in 1859; Levi Miller 
and Jesse Petry in 1865 ; Andrew Wehrly and .Albert Conning in 1880; 
M. F. Petry and M. M. Petry in 1881 ; Henry Hovatter in 1902; An- 
drew Miller, Daniel Hoff, Joseph Shaffer, Lewis Richards and Jacob S. 
Petry in 1802 ; John Wortenbaker in 1896; N. T. Saylor and George 
Miller in 1898; C. A Baker and W. A'. Petry in 1911 ; Robert Wolford 
in 1918; Willis Wandle and William Grossnickle in 1919. The last 
ten deacons mentioned, with the present eight preachers constitute 
now the official board. 

This church has always closely adhered to keeping the ordinances 
and commandments of the Scriptures as understood by the Brethren 
and has never swerved from the nonconformity principles of the 
church. It has also been famous in the past on love-feast occasions of 
having the old time all day meeting beginning at 10 o'clock. The 
membership numbers now two hundred and ninety. Twenty preaching 
services are filled each month. There are three evergreen Sunday 
schools. Cedar Grove with an average attendance of thirty-seven, Cas- 
tine has eighty, and Price's Creek, one hundred and one. Christian 
Workers' meetings are held at each place of worship throughout the 
year. Price's Creek Church is a field of fruitful activity. 



182 History of the Church of the Brethren 



(5) 
Hodgensville 

THERE have been repeated efforts to build up the cause in Ken- 
tucky. As early as 1876, the District Meeting sent brethren 
to preach the gospel to the isolated members in Kentucky, 
and a promise was given to defray the expenses. In 1878 the District 
Meeting appointed A. Frantz, George Garver and S. Kinsey to assist 
G. V. Siler in ministering to the missionary wants of that state. The 
efforts do not seem to have been crowned with any nattering degree of 
success, and the few members at the places where the work was done, 
soon disappeared. As all of the above committee, with one exception, 
in a few years went with the Old Orders, this may account in part for 
the lethargy in this field, then again later on the interest seems to have 
revived, as in 1895 Campbellsville was placed on the roll call of South- 
ern Ohio churches, where it remained for a few years. 

Some work was also done by the Mission Board in Hart County 
but again the interest lagged in this field, so much so that the various 
efforts at the different places in Kentucky, are now almost forgotten. 
One of a later date at Hodgensville which for a short time also ap- 
peared a promising point, will now be recounted. About January 1, 
1890, the General Mission Board received a letter from one, Matthew 
Hill of Hodgensville, Larue County, Kentucky, stating that he had 
been a lifelong Baptist, and that his brother in Kansas, who is a mem- 
ber of the Church of the Brethren, had been sending him the Gospel 
Messenger, in which he had become so interested, that he now offered 
himself for membership, and asked that the board send a man to re- 
ceive him. 

The board at once secured Elder I. J. Rosenberger to investigate. 
He responded, and arriving at the Hill home on Sunday morning, Janu- 
ary 19, 1890, was received with southern courtesy, and found that Mr. 
Hill wished to be baptized and then stand as a member without making 



of the Southern District of Ohio 183 

any special effort which he thought would be fruitless. His mother 
however living half a mile up the road kindly and cheerfully offered 
the use of her house for services. Her home used to be a large slave 
plantation. Several of her former slaves still lived on this place. That 
night there were nine hearers, who seemed intensely interested. The 
large rooms of Grandma Hill's comfortable dwelling were soon well 
filled each night of the week, and the people were favorably impressed 
with the new Baptist doctrine, as they termed it. 

On the following Sunday three were baptized in the beautiful 
stream of South Fork, in the presence of a large crowd of anxious 
on-lookers. In the month of June Elder Rosenberger, with his wife, re- 
newed his visit to Hodgensville remaining ten days and baptized six 
more. He kept up these visits regularly until the number of members 
reached twenty-eight. As Elder Andrew C. Gulp from Indiana had 
moved to Campbellsville, within fifty miles of this point, the mission 
at Hodgensville was placed in his care. But as the country did not 
prove to be a healthful place for Elder Culp, he sold his property and 
moved to Nebraska. 

This made a sad vacancy. A number of the memlbers kept moving 
to other parts until their membership became very much reduced. In- 
temperance was the ruining sin of the country, and the membership 
was much affected by it. Death called a number of the Hodgensville 
members, and Hodgensville Mission is no more. Grandma Hill was 
a most worthy woman. Brother Hill was a man of most excellent 
standing in his community. He was the county engineer for many 
years, and ranked high for his ability and integrity. 



184 History of the Church of the Brethren 



(6) 
Constance 

THE work was opened at Constance, Kentucky, by a prayer meet- 
ing at the home of Brother and Sister John T. Moll on New 
Year's eve, 1897. The first Sunday school was held on the 
second Sunday of March, 1897, at the same place. Sister Moll was a 
member of the Ninth Street Baptist Church of Cincinnati. Being active 
as a mission worker, she saw the needs of the people near her home 
and in her humble trusting way started this work. Brother Moll at 
this time was not a Christian. At this first prayer meeting they prayed 
earnestly for his conversion and on February 14, 1897, Brother Moll 
began to seek the Lord and on February 21, 1897, he began to look 
for a church that obeyed fully the Bible. He spent much time studying 
different faiths, spending much time in the Public Library in study. 
He decided that the Church of the Brethren was the nearest the Bible 
but did hot know where any of the Brethren lived or had services. In 
reading the Daily in October, 1897, he saw where a Dunker minister, 
W. I. T. Hoover, of Dayton, Ohio, had preached a funeral. He at 
once wrote Brother Hoover who referred him to the Mission Board. 
In November, 1897 he arranged to meet Elder D. M. Garver in Cin- 
cinnati and took him to his home and had services. After the evening 
meeting a number remained until 2 a. m. for further inquiry into the 
practices of the Church of the Brethren. February 22, 1898, Brother 
Moll was baptized. In October, 1898, Sister Moll also was baptized 
into the Church of the Brethren. During this time the Sunday school 
grew and five were baptized before they built the church. 

They saw the need of a church and in 1901 and 1902 a little church 
(20x30) was built and was dedicated by Elder D. M. Garver on the 
second Sunday of January, 1902. After the dedication Elder Garver 
held a series of meetings resulting in three more finding Christ. The 
work continued to grow until now there has been twenty-seven bap- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



185 



tized. In 1908, Brother Moll was called to the ministry and with his 
wife continues to labor faithfully with these people, preaching each 
Sunday and helping all they can during the week. Elder R. N. Leath- 
errnan assisted some while the Cincinnati Church was being built. The 
Sunday school now averages thirty-seven and the number of members 
is seventeen. In some of the years the Mission Board occasionally 
sent a minister down from the Miami Valley churches to assist Brother 
Moll in the preaching service. The board decided in 1919 to do this 
once each month. Elder J. W. Eidler has the present oversight of 
the church. 




Charles Knoepfle and Wife. 
The originators of the Cincinnati Mission. 



186 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




The Cincinnati Church. 




The Cincinnati Parsonage. 

On the corner lot, the new church house as it appears above was 

afterwards built. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 187 



MKM&WfiK 



(7) 
Cincinnati 

THE work was started flby Charles and Mabel Knoepfle, (nee 
Dear), in their own home at 4152 Chambers Street. Eight 
were present the first Sunday. Brother and Sister Knoepfle 
had been members of the Church of the Brethren' for some years, 
Brother Knoepfle being for a while superintendent of the Sunday 
school at Constance, Kentucky. Feeling the need of the same 
in Cincinnati, they opened a little Sunday school January 14, 1912. 
While they had a very small beginning the work grew until on July 
7, 1912, they moved to a little hall at 4167 Hamilton Avenue. 
Shortly after this, the Mission Board came to their assistance by pay- 
ing the rent of the hall and helping to furnish it. In December, 1912, 
Elder D. M. Garver assisted by Ethel and Amy Kuns held a short re- 
vival meeting resulting in four souls finding Christ. Brother and Sister 
Knoepfle were very faithful keeping the work going, and on September 
12, 1917, the Mission Board located Brother and Sister R. N. Leath- 
erman there to assist in the work. The services were now moved to 
a hall at 1514 Chase Street. 

During the year 1917-18 the churches of Southern Ohio were 
canvassed for funds to build a church house in Cincinnati. Through 
the generosity of the churches a large sum was raised by means of 
which a lot (40x50) on the northeast corner of Chase and Chambers 
Streets was purchased, also the adjoining lot (40 x 150) containing a 
two story frame, six room house which is now used as a parsonage. 
The amount expended for the above properties approximated six thou- 
sand dollars. The remainder donated by the churches, was used in 
the erection of a suitable church building costing some fifteen thousand 
dollars. It was built by the Mission Board in war time when building 
material and labor were exorbitant. This house, neat, beautiful and com- 
modious, with well arranged Sunday-school rooms that can be used 



188 History of the Church of the Brethren 

singly or jointly with the main auditorium, is well fitted for the future 
needs of Cincinnati. It is modern in all its appointments, and is a 
credit to the churches of the Southern District of Ohio through whose 
liberality the building was made possible. It was dedicated January 
19, 1919. Elder S. Z. Smith who had done most of the financial solic- 
itation of the churches, preached in the forenoon and in the afternoon 
it was formally set apart for the Lord's work in a dedicatory sermon 
by Elder H. K. Ober of Pennsylvania. While the membership now 
numbers but about a dozen in the city, yet with this splendid structure 
and equipment great things in the future may be expected. The Sun- 
day school averages twenty-eight. Martha Landis is supported here 
by the Tom's Run Sunday school as missionary worker. J. W. Fidler 
is the Presiding Elder and R. N. Leatherman is the pastor. 



(8) 
Middletown 

MIDDLETOWN is a city of 25,000 in the Miami Valley. This 
town lying within the territory of the Lower Twin congrega- 
tion was found to contain eight members of the Church of 
the Brethren upon an investigation made by the Lower Twin Church 
April 5, 1910. Edward Jarvis and wife, Susan Weidner, Henry Weid- 
ner and wife, Andrew Isabel and wife, Wm. Urton and wife, Harley 
Case and wife, Wm. Setty and wife, Wm. Wray and wife, and Wm. 
B. Bowles and wife were the pioneer families of this early work. Meet- 
ing together as they did in prayer meetings and song services at their 
different homes, they soon sought the Lower Twin Church for preach- 
ing services. 

At a harvest meeting in the above church held in August. 1912, 
funds were raised to carry on the work systematically. On February 
4, 1913, services were begun in the First Presbyterian Church, which 
had been secured, to be held regularly every two weeks. On July 21, 
1913, forty-five persons met at the home of Edward Jarvis, and ar- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



189 



rangements were made to start a Sunday school. Elder Aaron Bru- 
baker presided. Edward Jarvis became the first superintendent and 
Harley Case assistant superintendent. Soon after this, steps were 
taken to buy a church lot and build a church house in Middletown by 
the Lower Twin congregation. The Mission Board donated four hun- 
dred dollars from their funds to the project. A lot on the corner of 
Grand Avenue and Moore Street was bought for five hundred dollars 
and a house 38 x 40 in dimensions was built costing about twelve hun- 
dred dollars under the direction of brethren D. F. Priser, Reuben 




Middletown Church. 



Furry and Ed. Jarvis. The church house was dedicated November 
22, 1914. On petition of the Sugar Hill congregation to the District 
Meeting of Southern Ohio, 1915, the mission was turned over to the 
District Mission Board. Through the generosity of the Sugar Hill 
congregation this splendid property came into the Mission Board's 
hands free of debt. Elder Frank Brubaker with his co-laborers still 
continued to; look after the mission for a few months until the Mission 
Board could adjust themselves to their new charge. A line was drawn 
one mile north of the Butler County line as the division between Sugar 
Hill and Middletown. 

Its formal organization as a distinct congregation with a full corps 
of officers occurred December 9, 1916, with Elder J. O. Garst presid- 



190 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



ing. Previous to this the Mission Board had authorized him to take 
charge of the Middletown Church and supply them with a preaching 
service every two weeks which he did until November 1, 1916, when 
Elder John Eikenberry and wife of Bradford, were induced to locate 
here and take up the pastoral work. Elder Garst continued as the 
Presiding Elder. At a council meeting held March 24, 1917, Henry 
Weidner and his wife, Elizabeth Weidner, (nee Barcklow), and 
William Wray with his wife, Alice Wray, (nee Bowles), were installed 
in the office of deacon. 




Elder John Eikenberry. 
A former pastor of this church. 



The first love feast in Middletown occurred at the close of a re- 
vival February 25, 1917, held by Elder J. O. Garst. Other revivals 
have been held by Elders D. M. Garver, Isaac Frantz, Charles Cripe 
and B. F. Petry. The deacon board consists of three deacons, the two 
above mentioned and Edward Jarvis with his wife, Flora Jarvis, (nee 
Butler), Brother Jarvis, long a deacon before residing in Middletown, 
coming from the Strait Creek Valley Church. Harley Case from the 
Lexington Church, was the other early deacon here. He did splen- 
did service for awhile but finally affiliated with another church. At 
a council meeting, March 15, 1919, Edgar E. Schooley of Franklin, 
Ohio, having felt a desire to enter the ministry, was installed into that 
office. In the spring of 1919 Elder Eikenberry and wife, after two and 
one-half years of efficient service, resigned the pastorate and moved 
to Gettysburg, Ohio. The church being now without a resident pas- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 191 

tor, the Mission Board instructed Elder J. O. Garst to again look after 
the preaching appointments until a resident pastor could be secured. 
In this he has had the effectual co-operation of Edgar E. Schooley, 
who though young in the ministry as well as in years, has done much 
acceptable preaching here. The Sunday school averages fifty-three 
and the membership is seventy. J. O. Garst is the Presiding Elder. 
The church has an auspicious outlook. 



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CHAPTER VI. 



The Covington Group 



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Sugar Grove Church. 



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Introduction 



THE Covington Group is so named because the original Still- 
water Church included Covington, Pleasant Hill, and Harris 
Creek, Covington assuming an early prominence and becom- 
ing an early center of the work. Harris Creek became the parent of 
Oakland and Bradford ; North Star, the offspring of Oakland, and later 
the parents of Ash Grove. Loramie and Sidney are more distantly 
related to the others. They comprise parts of Miami, Darke, Mercer, 
and Shelby counties. To contrast the scope of country covered by 
this group of churches with what it was a century ago, it is evident 
that some powerful agency has been at work transforming this once 
wild wilderness into fruitful fields, and replacing the serpentine trail 
of the savage by the paved public highway beside which the traction 
car speeds like the wind, and upon which the auto gives it a merry race. 
Instead of the log cabin appears the modern home perfectly equipped ; 
mammoth cargoes of produce, merchandise and human freight are 
carried w T ith lightning speed on land and even through the air by 
methods undreamed of a few }^ears ago. 

The agencies that have brought this about are several. First conies 
the backwoodsman with his ax, and levels the forest, and with the aid 
of his oxen, breaks the soil and cultivates his crop. Next comes the 
mechanic with his few rude tools. The minister of the gospel, the 
medical practitioner and merchant are generally said to follow. This 
however was not generally true of the minister of the Church of the 
Brethren as he often was among the first of his people on the ground. 
This happened largely because the Brethren ministers of those days 
preached the Word without any thought on the part of themselves or 
hearers of worldly recompense, and through force of circumstances, 
thus compelled to provide a subsistence for themselves and family, they 
entered one of the above mentioned pursuits (generally that of a tiller 
of the soil) which made them pioneers in almost every line of industry 



196 History of the Church of the Brethren 

in a new country. While they provided for their own household, they 
made the ministry their first and paramount duty. The self-sacrifices 
of Michael Etter, David Deeter, Joseph Risser, the Mohlers, and many 
others who might be mentioned, will long be remembered. In the 
history that follows, their deeds will briefly be recounted. The churches 
of this group will be treated in this order: Covington (Stillwater), 
Pleasant Hill (Newton), Harris Creek (Upper Stillwater), Oakland, 
Bradford, North Star, Ash Grove, Loramie, and Sidney (Mosquito 
Creek). 



m m m m w m m 

IseJ LgigJ lieJ L3eJ (-"x 3 l9p; («*>; 
(1) 

Covington (Stillwater) 

THE ministers of the Church of the Brethren are usually a nucleus 
around which pioneer members gather and settle! Elder 
Michael Etter emigrated from Dauphin County, Penn- 
sylvania, the early part of the eighteenth century and settled on the 
farm just north of the present Sugar Grove Church. Some came with 
him, and others followed and settled around him on the hills and 
knolls along Stillwater up as far as Harris Creek. Elder Etter was of 
German descent. He was active in church work, was a man of good 
executive ability, and did much to concentrate and organize the incom- 
ing tide of the immigration of the members in that new locality. He 
died in 1847 in the seventy-first year of his age. His decease was 
universally regretted. By common consent he had been the shepherd 
of the Lord's flock until his death. 

Elder Etter had not lived in his new home long until he was joined 
by Elder David Deeter, also from Pennsylvania, who entered the farm 
adjacent to Sugar Grove on the west. And that home has been held 
all the years since by the Deeters, relatives of David Deeter, including 
the present owner, Michael Deeter. Elder David Deeter proved to be 
a very desirable and congenial co-worker with Elder Etter. Brethren 
settling together from remote parts, accustomed to different usages, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 197 

give rise to new problems which need to be adjusted. To harmonize 
these in a congenial working body, requires patience and wisdom. These 
results seem to have been reached in the joint efforts of Elders Etter 
and Deeter. His wife is referred to as a most devoted Christian com- 
panion; the mother of thirteen children. Elder David Deeter died in 
May, 1849, just two years after his worthy co-laborer Etter. The 
death of these two faithful shepherds, occurring so closely together, 
was keenly felt. Rudolph Mohler had moved into the neighborhood 
from Pennsylvania in 1842. Henry Longanecker also a minister had 
moved into this community about 1834. Rudolph Bollinger and David 
Deeter, Jr., were now deacons in the church. Meetings were not held 
each Sunday morning and Sunday night then as they are now ; but in 
rotation once in two weeks around in their dwellings, in winter, and 
in the summer in barns, under sheds and in groves, the latter of which 
were plenty. The dwellings were commonly too small to accommodate 
the congregations, so when the weather would allow the houses were 
commonly filled with women and children and the open doors and 
windows, with eager listeners, men and boys. As the country improved, 
many of the brethren in erecting new dwellings sought to better 
accommodate the congregations, hence would build their houses ap- 
proaching a square in shape, and so arrange the partitioning in the 
upper story that on meeting occasions this upper floor could be thrown 
into one room, thirty-five or even forty feet square. And it would 
amaze people to-day to see the crowds that were commonly fed on these 
occasions in rural log homes. 

While these latter were improvements over their former dwellings 
for meetings, yet they were not very satisfactory ; so that a house 
of worship was spoken of, and soon started. The material was jointly 
prepared and gathered and a log house for worship was built on the 
east side of the road one-half mile north of the present town of Pleas- 
ant Hill. This building, like their dwellings, was put up without much 
outlay in money. In size, it was 30 x 40 feet. This house, modest in 
its architecture, served its purpose well and was very satisfactory. 
This house was built about 1840. 

After the death of Elder Etter, Elder Rudolph Mohler seems to 
have taken charge of the church which he held till the time of his 
death. While Elder Mohler's education was mostly German yet he 
preached to congregations in the English language quite well. He 



198 History of the Church of the Brethren 

labored with the church for thirty-eight years in his official capacity, 
and his labors were fruitful. He was cautious and kind and a man 
of excellent judgment. He was loyal to the faith he professed and to 
the church, firm, but acted with prudence. He and his faithful wife 
reared a family of thirteen children all of whom became members of 
the church. Three of his sons were called to the ministry. He died 
in November, 1880, in his eightieth year. 

While the cause was prospering on Stillwater, around the log 
church, seven miles north on Harris Creek was another point, around 
which members were settling, where meetings were being held. John 
Cable was the centralizing figure in this locality. Here also the cause 
seemed to be growing. The life story of Elder Cable briefly told is 
this : In the beginning of the eighteenth century or a little before, three 
brothers by the name of Cable migrated to America from England, 
and settled near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. These brothers soon sepa- 
rated. One went north ; and one south, while the remaining brother, 
Jacob, remained in Pennsylvania and soon married. When his family 
was about grown he moved west and settled on Twin Creek in Preble 
County, Ohio. This Jacob Cable had a son, John, who soon formed an 
acquaintance with a young Miss Ellis of a strict Quaker family. The 
attachment grew into a marriage. This young pair remained in the 
Twin Creek neighborhood for four years ; then came north into the 
woods in Miami County and entered a half section of land, situated 
about two miles north and one west of Covington. He improved this 
heavily timbered home and reared his family upon it. He held it until 
a few years before his death, when he divided it among his children. 
He was called to the ministry when young and spent nearly fifty years 
in the work. His education was fair for the day in which he lived. 
He was a man of considerable talent, of strong convictions, good de- 
livery, and very conscientious. He was very zealous in his calling. 
He was the first elder at Harris Creek and he held the office until his 
death. He was watchful in his care of the church. He died in August 
1863, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. 

Through the efforts of Elder Cable and those who came to his 
assistance in the ministry from time to time, there was gathered quite 
a membership in the vicinity of Harris Creek. These members began 
to feel that this was their church home ; while the colony below felt 
that the log church was the headquarters of their church home. The 



of the Southern District of Ohio 199 

territory as now occupied was called the Stillwater Church. As the 
lower colony had their house of worship, it led those on Harris Creek 
to consider the project of a house in their locality. This influence so 
terminated that a brick house was on the way the latter part of the 
summer of 1845. But an early freeze followed by an early winter 
compelled them to suspend building when they got to the squares, and 
it so remained until the following spring. The house was finished in 
the spring of 1846 ; and the first service was held in the new house 
that coming June, and a feast in the fall. Elder Cable had been alone 
in the ministry in that part of the church territory; and as the new 
house would call for some increase of services there was a need for 
more help in the ministry. While Elder Cable was called an English 
preacher, yet he frequently preached in the German language very 
satisfactorily. His knowledge of both languages very much increased 
his usefulness. A council was called in the spring of 1849 in the brick 
house on Harris Creek, and John Hershey and Joseph Risser were 
elected to the ministry. Brother Hershey at once took up the work. 
He had a good memory, with fine descriptive powers and a good knowl- 
edge of the Scriptures. During that summer he had a number of calls 
to preach funerals. Elder Risser was educated in German, and in his 
day there was much call for German preaching. After Elder Cable's 
death Risser was given the care of the church which he served up to 
the time of his death. As a shepherd he was watchful and kind, yet 
firm. He ruled with love but was uncompromising. He was clear in 
presenting business. As a working force the brethren in and around 
Harris Creek felt that they were well equipped in the ministry. John 
Mohler and Henry Smith were deacons. 

In the meantime the cause around the log church was not idle. 
With Elder Rudolph Mohler at the helm the cause was steadily advanc- 
ing. They had a growth both by immigration and conversion. They 
now had outgrown their log church house. Within a short time a plan 
was agreed upon and a stone house was built on the ground upon which 
the present Sugar Grove house now stands. This house was built in 
1849 and in size was forty feet wide and eighty feet long. The house 
was thought to be large, but it was soon seen not to be too large for 
their growing congregation. This house was a material improvement 
over the log church, and helped much to place the interest of the church 
on a basis of permanence. These two houses were well located and 



200 History of the Church of the Brethren 

each proved to be central points of large religious gatherings. As these 
two colonies each had now good houses of worship with a good corps 
of officials; and as their field was widening, new calls for preaching 
were coming, and the matter of dividing their territory and making 
two congregations out of this one, was sprung, and met with very 
general approval. The manner in which the territory was occupied 
was very favorable to a division. A line between them was most har- 
moniously agreed upon. The upper division was called "Upper Still- 
water or more commonly Harris Creek, and the lower was called 
Covington congregation. This was effected about 1854 and seemed 
to give new energy to each of the new congregations. 

The brethren with their increased duties that naturally fell upon 
them, felt a lack in ministerial force. Elders Henry Longanecker and 
David Shellabarger who had lived here quite awhile, were faithful, 
but age was steadily coming on them. A meeting was soon called at 
the stone house, November 5. 1857, and Samuel Mohler, then a dea- 
con, and a brother to Rudolph Mohler, and S. S. Mohler, a son of 
Samuel Mohler, were called to the ministry on a tie vote, and John 
Murray and John Eller were elected deacons. Samuel Mohler was 
called to the ministry when past middle age, hence he usually served 
as an assistant ; but as a business man both in the church and in his 
secular affairs he was a man of sterling qualities. He was soon ad- 
vanced to the eldership, and at the death of his brother Rudolph, he 
took the eldership which he held up to the time of his death. He was 
watchful and kind, had a good memory and fine executive ability. The 
church enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity under his care. 
This was frequently commented upon by those who visited the Cov- 
ington Church. He died July 26, 1891, in the eight-fourth year of his 
age. His loss was most keenly felt. The editor of the Covington 
Gazette said of him : Probably no man in this community was more 
highly respected. As a Christian he practiced what he preached, not 
only one day in the week but every day in the year. His counsel 
was wise and it will be hard for the German Baptists to fill 
the place of 'Uncle Sammy' as his people loved to call him." His son, 
S. S. Mohler, was called to the ministry in his young manhood, and 
made good use of the talent with which he was so well equipped. He 
was born near Covington, September 22, 1832, and was married here 
to Mary Ann Deeter November 3, 1853. He soon moved to Harris 



of the Southern District of Ohio 201 



Creek where he spent several years in service in the church. He then 
moved to Missouri and became active in the more enlarged general 
work of the church, serving on some of her most important committees. 

As the church was losing members both by death and emigration, 
there was felt the need of increasing her official force. About 1861 a 
meeting was called and Samuel Murray was elected to the ministry and 
John and Rudolph Mohler, sons of Elder Rudolph Mohler, deceased, 
were elected deacons. As there were a number of members living in 
and adjacent to Covington there was a call for preaching in the town 
of Covington. The brethren secured the vacant Baptist house for 
service, which they occupied for a number of years. As the meetings 
both in town and at Sugar Grove were being well attended, there was 
a desire for a protracted meeting in Covington. A number of mem- 
bers were slow in giving their consent, as such meetings were not 
common among the brethren. These meetings which were being held 
by other churches were felt to be an injury to pure religion. But the 
meeting was granted. Elder James Quinter was called to hold the 
meeting. It continued about ten days or two weeks and there were 
forty-four conversions. The sermons consisted of a plain presentation 
of gospel truth. The meeting made Covington a central point of influ- 
ence of the church which it has held in a large measure since. A Sun- 
day school was organized in 1867, superintended by Samuel Murray 
assisted by William Boggs. The school met with some opposition, but 
this gradually subsided. 

Elder Quinter moved to Covington in 1866, and edited the "Gos- 
pel Visitor'' in his home. His services in the ministry were appreciated. 
Henry Kurtz was assistant editor and they had the printing done at the 
U. B. Publishing House in Dayton. John Hershey having moved into 
this locality from Harris Creek gave Covington an efficient ministerial 
force. About 1869, David Warner and Joseph Groff were elected dea- 
cons. As there had been a steady increase of membership in and 
around Covington, there was a growing feeling that the church should 
have a house of its own, in or near Covington. The need of the house 
was a general sentiment. But the location was a matter of some in- 
terest at several meetings, but was finally agreed upon, and after the 
house was built in Covington the wisdom of so doing was soon appar- 
ent. A commodious brick building was erected in 1872. Some years 
after this brethren Abram Neher and Fridley Mikesell were elected to 



202 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



the deaconship. Jacob Mohler and William Boggs were elected to the 
ministry in 1873. The stone house at Sugar Grove had become the 
joint property of the Covington and Newton congregations. This 
house was inadequate for the growing congregations, especially on 
occasions of their love feasts, which were held alternately fall and 
spring by the two congregations. During the summer of 1874 a large 
and commodious brick house was built on the ground occupied bv the 




Covington Church. 

stone house. The capacity of the audience room was 50x80, yet it 
was insufficient for the large congregations at her love feasts. So that 
for some years Covington and Harris Creek by common consent held 
their annual feasts on the same day so as to divide the crowds, and for 
the comfort of the meetings. In May, 1875, the well remembered Annual 
Meeting was held on the farm of John Cassel one mile west of Cov- 
ington. It was a large and an enthusiastic meeting. About the 80's A. S. 
Rosenberger was elected to the ministry. He was a physician as well. 
At the Boyd school house six miles south and west of Covington the 
Brethren for some years held regular services. An effort was made to 
build a house of worship at that point but it did not materialize, but 



of the Southern District of Ohio 203 

in later years a house was built two miles west at Red River, and 
placed on the Painter Creek side of the church line. The Red River 
Church continues to be a place for interesting services with a good Sun- 
day school. 

In 1883 Elder I. J. Rosenberger moved into the Covington con- 
gregation from northern Ohio. But as he continued his work as an 
evangelist, he was only an assistant in the ministry and in caring for 
the church. He spent from four to nine months of each year for 
thirty-three years in the evangelistic field. The church feeling further 
need of help in the ministry, George Mohler and James Neff were elec- 
ted to the ministry in November, 1889. There were a number of mem- 
bers residing in Piqua ; hence, there was a call for a mission in that 
city but it did not materialize. There was an agreement made to pay the 
street car fare of Piqua members who attended services in Covington. 
After the death of Elder Samuel Mohler, the care of the church fell 
into the hands of Elder I. J. Rosenberger, which charge he had for 
seven years. Dissatisfaction in the church having arisen, it resulted in 
a committee from Annual Meeting in 1898, which met in August. After 
which the care of the church was placed in the hands of Elder L. W. 
Teeter one of the committee. Elder Teeter retained the care of the 
Covington church faithfully for over six years. 

Previous to this Elder D. D. Wine moved to the Covington 
Church from the Newton Church. In December, 1904, Elder L. W. 
Teeter resigned his care of the Covington Church, and Elder J. H. 
Christian resigned as assistant elder, and Elder Jacob Coppock was 
chosen in their stead. In September, 1905, Whitney Snider and Ed- 
ward Fox were chosen deacons. August 9, 1905, the project of a new 
church was considered with a view to enable the church to better pro- 
vide for the needs of the Sunday school and to hold love feasts in 
town rather than to go to Sugar Grove. The matter was deferred. 
Soon after Elders D. M. Garver, David Hollinger and L. A. Book- 
waiter were called to assist Elder Coppock in directing the work of 
the church. In the spring of 1910 George W. Flory came to Covington 
and took charge as pastor. This had been planned for a long time. 
The congregation grew and a new house was needed to accommodate 
the enlarged number both at Sunday school and church, and when they 
decided to build the house the membership subscribed very liberally. 
The plan however of deeding it to subscribers of the fund and not to 



204 History of the Church of the Brethren 

the church, with other differences among them, called for a committee 
from conference. The committee was sent and advised them to deed 
the house to the church and gave them such other counsel as would 
have unified them. The committee came in 1911, the church accepted 
the report and named as their Presiding Elder, John Heckman, of Polo, 
Illinois, who continued in charge until 1916, when a new committee 
was appointed. Brother Flory held all the series of meetings after his 
coming until the present, save one ; and under the direction of E. M. 
Fox, Ora Hartle, Ira Gump and Elder P. H. Beery, the Sunday school 
was enlarged and a number of conversions were enrolled. 

The church held an election for ministers, April 25, 1914, result- 
ing in the election of W. C. Detrick and J. C. Inman, the former is at 
Bryan, Ohio, and the latter at Springfield, Ohio. November 12, 1915, 
J. C. Wine and Clarence Warner were called to the ministry but 
neither of them accepted. Charles D. Groff, Levi Warner, S. S. Miller, 
and Ira Gump were chosen deacons. In order to meet the educational 
wants of his children, Elder P. H. Beery moved to North Manchester, 
Indiana, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later on account of his railroad 
business to Chicago, Illinois, all the while retaining his membership 
in this church, until his removal to California where he is pastor of a 
church at Los Angeles. In October, 1917, Elder I. J. Rosenberger 
moved to Greenville, Ohio, taking with him his letter of membership 
from the church in which his home had been so long. When the Annual 
Conference Committee of 1916 met they appointed Elder G. A. Snider 
to preside over the Covington Church, or rather to assist in caring for 
the same. The Committee after giving its assistance to this church for 
a number of years, was released from further duty in 1919. In April, 
1919, Elder Isaac Frantz moved to Covington, he and Brother Flory 
having so divided the work in turn, that while one is in the evangelistic 
field, the other might be in the pastorate in Covington. June 26, 1919, 
Elder Isaac Frantz was elected Presiding Elder of the church. 

The deacon body is quite large. The following persons with the 
date of beginning of service, comprise the present deacon board. David 
Warner was elected in 1869. A. F. Mikesell was elected in 1888. Noah 
Miller moved here in August, 1894. L. L. Landis moved here in Septem- 
ber, 1898. David E. Minnich moved here in March, 1899. H. C. Whitmer 
moved here in March 1901. Whitney Snider and E. M. Fox were 
elected in September, 1905. D. B. Flory moved here in February, 1906. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 205 



Ira Gump, Levi Warner, and S. S. Miller were elected in November, 
1915. Job Helman moved here in 1916. Forest Honeyman moved here 
in February, 1919, and Noah Detrick in March, 1919. The Sunday 
school averages in attendance 342, and the church numbers 525 mem- 
bers. It is the largest church now in the Southern District of Ohio. 



(2) 

Pleasant Hill (Newton) 

WHEN the Stillwater Church was divided into Harris Creek and 
Covington, the latter included what is now Pleasant Hill 
Church. These pioneer churches still continued to be 
visited by various ministers from abroad, who admired their promis- 
ing new country and prosperous new churches. Among these incoming 
visiting preachers was Elder John Cadwallader of Highland County, 
formerly from Virginia. Elder Cadwallader was then in the prime of 
life. He was a man of fine memory, familiar with the Scriptures and 
a fluent talker. His preaching had a peculiar drawing power on the 
congregation, and it received very favorable comment. These brethren 
and friends formed an early attachment for him, and on a renewal of 
his visits the brethren and friends joined in extending him an invitation 
to make his home in their locality ; as a number of the ministers were 
now up in years there was a need in the ministry, and in the invitation 
to Elder Cadwallader they offered to assist him to a home. 

The generous invitation was accepted and Elder Cadwallader mov- 
ed on a farm about one mile west of the corporation line of Pleasant 
Hill about 1854, and the church gave him the help promised. He at 
once entered upon the work of the ministry with a good deal of energy, 
but it was soon discovered that he held lax views averse to the doctrine 
of the church and her usages. These were seen in his preaching, in his 
church work as well as in his conversation. In his government he was 
purely congregational. This at once placed him out of harmony with 
the former quiet peaceful and prosperous order of the church that had 



2C6 History of the Church of the Brethren 

been existing along Stillwater. The matter was taken up by the 
brethren but without the desired results. Elder Cadwallader was not of 
the class nor the kind that was, "easily entreated." Special meetings 
were called and the elders nearby were invited to attend. Some of 
these were Elder John Cable on the north ; Elder John Darst on the 
east, of Lost Creek; Elders Peter Xead and David Bowman, Jr., on the 
south near Dayton. And it is due to state that these men were efficient 
elders in their home congregations, and there was a union of sentiment 
among them in regard to church doctrine and government. At this 
meeting Elder Peter Nead was foreman, and as Elder Cadwallader re- 
fused to yield to the demands made of him, he was disfellowshipped. 
The surprising hold that Elder Cadwallader had gained on the people 
was seen when he took over one hundred members with him. This in- 
cluded a number of officials. Abraham Younce was among that num- 
ber, but soon returned. He is remembered as a faithful minister in this 
and other congregations. These disfellowshipped, or a large portion of 
them, felt that injustice was done them hence they carried a petition in 
1856 to the Annual Meeting held at Waddam's Grove, Illinois, calling 
for a committee, for a rehearing in their case. A committee of nine 
brethren, George Shively, James Tracy, Jacob Miller, John Metzger, 
George Hoover, Jacob Metzger, David Hardman, Peter Xead, and 
Daniel Miller were sent. Elder H. D. Davy seems to have been foreman, 
if so his name was a later substitution. The committee kindly beard 
the complaints, pro and con. There was some fault found on both 
sides: and upon Elder Cadwallader agreeing to accept the decisions of 
Annual Meeting and the general order of the church, those disfellow- 
shipped were taken back into the church and Cadwallader was given 
his eldership. 

There was a general feeling that the erring was very mildly dealt 
with. As there was a large membership in and around Pleasant Hill, 
then called Newton, it was generally thought that peace and harmony 
would be better secured and more easily maintained, by dividing the 
congregation, and allowing Elder Cadwallader to control the affairs 
of his own territory. The Annual Meeting Committee either made the 
division or authorized it to be made. A new congregation was formed, 
called the X"ewton Church, and Brother Cadwallader was their elder. 
The line between the congregations passed by the stone church house, 
so that house by common consent was made the joint property of both 



of the Southern District of Ohio 207 

congregations, and was occupied by them alternately, both for preach- 
ing services and for holding their annual feasts. 

This new condition made the business of each congregation sepa- 
rate and distinct ; and it bid fair to be helpful, but it proved to be only 
for a time. But to go back and bring up some former events. We have 
previously alluded to the growth of the church in and around Newton. 
This condition quietly led up to a desire for a house of worship in 
Newton. The project received encouragement, was matured and a 
comfortable brick house was built the fall and winter of 1856, and 
Joseph Kelso, who was a man of considerable ability, preached the dedi- 
catory sermon. This church at once proceeded to organize a Sunday 
school which was the first Sunday school in the state, and it is gen- 
erally conceded that the Sunday school organized in Newton was the 
first Sunday school organized in all the great west by the Church of 
the Brethren. And this school for its day was well supported. Davis 
Younce then living in Fidelity, ten miles away, made Newton frequent 
visits and aided in the ministry. He wa; 1 a man that usually inter- 
ested his congregation. About 1864 he moved to Newton, and for a 
/lumber of years manufactured wagons. Brother Younce held a number 
of views in common with Elder Cadwallader, so that with them in much 
of their church work there w r as a good d^al of harmony. Isaac Price 
was elected to the ministry about 1868. 

The congregation grew in numbers -md Elder Cadwallader had 
his officials in close sympathy with his former views of church work 
and government which proved to be dormant embers that only needed 
a little fanning to revive their former activity. His congregational views 
became more and more manifest. This kept adding to the strained 
relation between Newton and the adjacent congregations in the valley. 
This culminated in a second call for an Annual Meeting committee. The 
committee came in 1874, with Elder Robert H. Miller as foreman. 
This committee's session seemed to have occupied less time than the 
former committee, and resulted in Elder Cadwallader being dis fellow- 
shipped a second time. His following this time was less than the preced- 
ing, but a number went with him, and they at once organized them- 
selves into a congregational body. 

A few of these returned to the church in after years, but the 
majority of them lived and died by the choice they made that day. They 
continued with seeming increased activity and finally affiliated them- 



208 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 209 

selves with the Progressive Church. Some confusion arose as to the 
right of the house of worship. There was a plain deed which at 
once settled the legal right of the property to the German Baptist 
Church; yet they insisted they had a rightful interest in the house. As 
our brethren were anxious for a friendly settlement of the matter, they 
met and our brethren paid them their price. They then built a house 
of their own. Isaac Price was now the only local minister in the Newton 
congregation. The brethren adjoining kept them supplied in ministerial 
help. About this time Simon Mikesel and John Studabaker moved into 
the limits of the congregation and were a help in their ministry. The 
committee had appointed Samuel Mohler as their elder who cared for 
the church for a number of years. The deacons of this time and some 
years previous were : Enoch Beery, Henry Reiber, David Deeter, 
James Long and Michael and Henry Deeter. J. B. Deeter and D. E. 
Minnich were elected in March 1877, J. B. Deeter was granted a let- 
ter of membership September 6, 1906. Other deacons who have served 
here are : John Seas, elected January 26, 1887 ; Davis Flory, elected 
December 15, 1892, and granted his letter March 11, 1909; H. C. Whit- 
mer elected December 15, 1892 and granted his letter March 12, 1902; 
Frank Helmick and Henry Landis elected September 6, 1900; Emanuel 
Hollinger received by letter, February 10, 1901, and granted his letter 
March 12, 1902 ; William Alspaugh and Jude Grisso elected Decem- 
ber 6, 1906 ; Samuel West, Harvey McCool, Forest Longanecker and 
Forest Honeyman were elected March 4, 1915. Forest Honeyman was 
granted his letter March 6, 1919. L. W. Sollenberger was received by 
letter December 2, 1915. Henry Mauer was received by letter in March 
1916, and M. L. Sollenberger was received by letter, September 4, 
1919. 

Since 1876, the following brethren have served here in the minis- 
try : D. D. Wine whose election to the ministry occurred March 11, of 
that year, was ordained September 7, 1893, and was granted a letter 
of membership January 26, 1902 ; Isaac Price was ordained September 
7, 1882, relieved March 19, 1896, and received back into fellowship, 
September 5, 1907; Isaac Frantz was elected in March, 1882, and or- 
dained July 31. 1909 ; John M. Pittenger and C. O. Beery were electe 
September 2, 1897. Brother Pittenger later went to the India Mission 
Field and Brother Beery also moved away. He returned later and again 
was granted his letter June 22, 1919. George Mohler was received by 



210 History of the Church of the Brethren 

letter May 14, 1902, ordained, July 31, 1909 and granted his letter 
March 1, 1918. Daniel West was elected December 1, 1910, but never 
accepted. Isaac Beery was elected December 1, 1910, and granted his 
letter April 28, 1912. Charles L. Flory was received by letter March 6, 
1913, and later ordained. Ralph G. Rarick was received by letter May 
30, 1919. 

After Samuel Mohler's long oversight of the church, which he re- 
signed January 7, 1891, Tobias Kreider took charge on same date and 
ruled until his resignation March 1, 1894. Then Isaac Price was chosen 
-about May 1, 1894, and served until his resignation, March 5, 1896. 
The following June 3, D. D. Wine was given charge. He presided until 
his resignation, March 21, 1907, at which date D. C. Hendrickson took 
charge and continued until his resignation, March 3, 1910, when Isaac 
Frantz and George Mohler were made associate Presiding Elders. 
Elder Frantz moving away later, Elder Mohler was given sole charge, 
September 6, 1917, and presided until his resignation, September 5, 
1918, at which date Charles L. Flory was chosen and had the oversight 
until his resignation, September 4, 1919. Sirfce this time John A. Rob- 
inson has presided. The two latter brethren also served as pastors of 
this church. Elder Flory served from March 1, 1913, to March 1, 1919, 
since which date Elder Robinson occupies the pastorate. 

About the beginning of the twentieth century the brethren thought 
that the old brick house which had served them for almost fifty years 
was inadequate. The proposition for a new house was presented and 
approved. On Sunday June 7 , 1903, Elder J. T. Myers delivered the 
final sermon in the old house. It was found there were two persons 
in the services who were present when the first or dedicatory sermon 
was preached. On the next Monday the brethren began to dismantle 
the old building to make room for the new edifice, which was built on 
the same plot of ground that summer. The new house was built at a cost 
of nearly $10,000, not including donated work. While the new build- 
ing was commodious, a Sunday-school addition was found necessary 
and was erected at a cost of $12,000, in 1916. This gives them room for 
their flourishing Sunday school which now averages 143. The mem- 
bership of the church totals 235. Pleasant Hill is not only nicely named 
but a beautiful place in which to dwell. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 211 

m m m m m m m 

L^eJ \Jkj IseJ IseJ IseJ 13&J LseJ 

(3) 

Harris Creek (Upper Stillwater) 

WHEN the Stillwater congregation was divided, the northern 
division was called Upper Stillwater, now Harris Creek, 
and the lower or southern was called Covington. This 
division was made about 1854. There and then Harris Creek 
became one of the pioneer congregations of the valley, and em- 
braced what is now known as the Oakland and North Star churches. 
By the activity of Elder Cable and his associates of whom mention has 
been made, there had been a large membership gathered over the north- 
ern territory as far north as Celina and the reservoir. Upon the death of 
Elder Cable or a little before his death, the oversight of the church 
was placed in the hands of Elder Joseph Risser, who was well fitted 
for the place. Elder Risser was very watchful and kind in his care of 
the church. He was assisted in the ministry by John Hershey and 
Samuel Rairigh, and by Henry Smith, J. C. Miller and John Mohler 
as deacons. 

The brethren west and north called for meetings, to which 
the brethren responded, so that the field of their activities kept widen- 
ing. A number of members were desirous for a Sunday school, and a 
school was started west of the Harris Creek house in friend Gilbert's 
cooper shop. But in view of the opposition it was thought best not to 
open the school the next spring. We have noticed that some years pre- 
vious the brethren at Newton had organized a school, and it continued, 
but as the school at Newton had been instituted under the administra- 
tion of brother Cadwallader who had caused the churches in the valley, 
and especially the elders so much anxious concern it might be well to 
state that the school in the Newton Church organization at the time 
it was under these peculiar circumstances, was regarded by the friends 
of the Sunday school to have retarded the Sunday-school cause in the 
Miami Valley rather than to have encouraged it. 



212 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Elder J. G. Royer of Mt. Morris, Illinois, made his home with this 
congregation from 1863 to 1867. The following is from his pen: "I 
moved from Pennsylvania to Harris Creek in the spring of 1863 with 
my wife and son, Galen, and we made our home there about four years. 
The ministerial force then consisted of Elder Joseph Risser in charge 
assisted by S. Rairigh, S. S. Mohler and E. Hoover. The deacons were 
Henry Smith, John Mohler, Moses Wise, David Wenrick, John C. 
Miller, A. Brant and myself. Meetings then did not come twice on Sun- 
days' but once in two Sundays. The time for meeting during the sum- 
mer, half of the year, was from 9 A. M. till 12. During the other half 
of the year it was an hour later. On meeting days all the brethren's 
homes and many others were closed ; every body physically able went 
to church, whole families, hired help included. As the congregations as- 
sembled and families gathered, they met on the green near the church, 
where greetings were exchanged ; for in those days Christians loved to 
meet and greet each other. They lingered at the door in quiet conversa- 
tion, for it lacked a few minutes of the appointed hour, though the wor- 
shippers had all arrived. Soon all are in the church. A hymn is an- 
nounced. They love the good old Gospel hymns and the glorious con- 
gregational singing. They were not so well provided with books then as 
now ; but the minister stood up, sometimes it was a deacon or a spiritual 
sister, and lined the hymn, two lines at a time ; the whole congregation, 
old and young joined in singing with such soul-lifting spirit that the 
melody unto the Lord rolled out through the open doors and windows 
heavenward, up through the lofty tops of the majestic trees that stood 
round about the old meeting house. Not the first two and the last two 
stanzas were sung, but every verse of the good old hymn. Tt is the 
Lord's day' said they ; 'the time is ours.' No conventional or stipulated 
hour is to limit our 'sitting together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' 

"Clocks are now placed inside the churches, presumably to keep 
from staying too long; and the preacher has a watch lying on the 
book or before him, to keep him from saying too much. In those good 
old days of the brethren at Harris Creek the clocks were in their 
homes to keep the people from corning to church too late, and the 
preacher looked at the face of the congregation, rather than the face 
of his watch to regulate the length of his sermons." Does not Elder 
Royer's pen picture of the pioneer days of Harris Creek lead at least 
some of our older readers to take a retrospect of their early expe- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



213 



riences, with some kindred longing? One of the sweet singers of Israel, 
was engaging in a review of this kind when he said, "By the rivers of 
Babylon there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered 
Zion. We hanged our harps on the willows, in the midst thereof." 

Harris Creek at this time must have been genuinely optimistic, for 
with her able ministry, her active deacons and her live and loyal mem- 
bership, she was constantly adding to her membership. Brother Her- 
shey left Harris Creek about 1860 and moved to Covington. In March 
1861, S. S. Mohler came from the Covington Church to Harris Creek. 
Elder J. G. Royer who was a contemporary of Brother Mohler in Har- 



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Harris Creek Church. 



ris Creek says of him, "He always preached whenever his 'turn' came, 
and his sermons were much appreciated as he always gave the people 
something to take home. He stood in that day among the first of the 
young ministers of Southern Ohio. Everybody recognized him as 
loyal to the church and her practices. When he went west, he left many 
who regretted his leaving Southern Ohio." He moved to Missouri in 
1869 where he died December 4, 1893. Adam Helman came to the Har- 
ris Creek Church in the fall of 1864 as an assistant in ministry. He lived 
here until his death about 1894. Some years later Devalt Crowell and 
a little later S. D. Royer were elected deacons. Brother Crowell was 
soon called to the ministry sometime prior to 1880. David Hollinger was 
elected a deacon in 1880. Aaron Warner and M. K. Miller were made 



214 History of the Church of the Brethren 

deacons about this time. Closely following the above, Jonas W. Miller 
was chosen to the ministry. He was a young brother of promise and be- 
came the first superintendent of the Sunday school organized in their 
brick house, May 3, 1885. They met with some opposition, but Brother 
Miller dealt very patiently with it and it quietly disappeared. S. D. 
Royer was chosen to the ministry November 7 , 1885, but not being pres- 
ent was not installed until December 20, the same year. At the same 
time Jonas W. Miller was placed in the second degree of the ministry. 
Brother Miller was called by death in a few years, which was very much 
regretted by the church, as he was looked upon as a brother of promise. 
John Mummert and Noah Detrick were chosen deacons October 24, 
1886. Brother Mummert had been in the ministry some years previously, 
but January 24, 1885, at his own earnest request, he was relieved of that 
responsibility. He continues an excellent deacon. August 25, 1888, J. G. 
Porter was elected to the deaconship and D. G. Wenrick to the minis- 
try. Brother Wenrick never accepted the office. 

Let us now relate some of the inner happenings of these years just 
sketched. The years that' Elder Risser had charge were times of growth. 
Under the constant tide of prosperity, the old house failed to meet the 
needs of the congregation. Plans were laid and pledges received for a 
new brick house, eighty feet long and fifty feet wide. It was built in 
1868. This house answered the purposes of the church well but after 
the Sunday-school work developed in later years, there was realized a 
need of rooms. July 15, 1908, special council was called and the re- 
modeling of the house was ordered. This was done, new seats were 
purchased, and a number of convenient Sunday-school rooms provided. 
Eleven years after this house was built, Elder Joseph Risser died. 
His death, March 13, 1879, was regarded as a heavy loss to the church 
which he had served so faithfully. Elder Emanuel Hoover who had 
previously been ordained, now became elder in charge and the church 
seemed to continue its former state of peace. 

During the year 1881 the Old Order move was under agitation. 
The following year the Old Order element withdrew and organized. 
Brother Hoover, their elder, went with the new organization ; but he 
took only eight members with him. A few more went later, but the 
tide of growth seemed unaffected by the change. 

Their ministerial force was somewhat reduced both in numbers 
and in strength as compared with former years. These were Brethren 



of the Southern District of Ohio 215 

Adam Helman, Devalt Crowell, and S. D. Royer. They were without 
a resident elder many years ; and the matter of most peculiar interest 
was that these years with no resident elder were the banner years of 
their prosperity. Brother Helman was made foreman, but the business 
and the care of the church was in a great measure overseen and con- 
trolled by their senior deacon, Brother John Mohler, a brother to 
Rudolph and Samuel Mohler of Covington. It was of interest to see 
how efficiently the business of the church moved, largely by his direc- 
tion. 

There was a desire for many years to change from the double to 
the single mode of feetwashing, but it was mildly waived until 1886 
when the question was left to the vote of the meeting and there were 
102 yeas ; 5 nays and 6 neutrals ; and the single mode was adopted 
without any offense. The church having been without an elder for some 
years, a desire was expressed to have one. Hence February 19, 1888, 
Elder Tobias Kreider was chosen and continued his services very ac- 
ceptably for a number of years. As stated before, matters passed off 
very harmoniously in Harris Creek Church; in fact they were organ- 
ized with harmony, and kept that harmony for a number of years ; 
but at this juncture in their history there was a growing lack of their 
first love ; and on February 20, 1896, a committee of nearby elders 
met, and by their efforts seeming harmony was restored. Brother 
Kreider offered his resignation as elder but the church prevailed on 
him to continue his care over the church. 

December 4, 1897, an election was held in which John Stover was 
elected to the ministry and L. L. Landis, Lee Conway and Jerry Hol- 
linger were elected deacons. This business seemed to conciliate matters 
in a measure ; but their former irritations soon returned. This condition 
resulted in the calling of a committee from the Annual Meeting which 
met June 14, 1898. The committee was composed of Elders W. R. 
Deeter, C. L. Wilkins, L. T. Holsinger, I. D. Parker and Jacob Rairigh. 
A settlement of their differences was arrived at and the church was 
placed in the hands of Elder John H. Christian. There seemed to be 
a disposition to forget the past, and the interests of the church moved 
with more harmony after the committee's efforts. Samuel Porter was 
elected to the ministry December 3, 1898. At their council September 
7, 1901, J. A. Crowell was elected to the ministry, D. G. Wenrick and 
Emanuel Flory were elected deacons. Elder John H. Christian resigned 



216 History of the Church of the Brethren 

as elder and D. D. Wine was chosen. December 2, 1905, John Eiken- 
berry was elected to the ministry but did not accept the office until 
October 12, 1907. He moved out October 27, 1910, and was ordained 
July 29, 1916. He later moved away but recently came back again. 

As preaching and a Sunday school had been started in Bradford, 
where brethren Stover and Porter and a number of members lived, 
there was a call made for a separate organization. For particulars, see 
history of Bradford Church. There had been some preaching done in a 
Union house at Bloomer, four miles from the Harris Creek house, but 
the interest was only fair. J. M. Stover was ordained October 26, 1912. 
D. D. Wine resigned his care of the church June 7, 1913, and J. C. 
Bright was given charge and continued until June 2, 1917 when Charles 
L. Flory was elected and still continues. Devalt Crowell died in Brad- 
ford in 1916. S. E. Porter was ordained July 29, 1916. 

After the division of the Harris Creek territory the church de- 
cided to employ a pastor and secured Elder D. G. Berkebile, who came 
January 1, 1918. William Buckley, also a minister, lived here awhile 
until he went to East Dayton Church. A council was held June 21, 1919, 
and three deacons were elected, viz. : Harmon Miller, Harley Hoover 
and John Detrick. In addition the present deacon board consists of 
John Mummert, Emanuel Flory, Newtdn Bookwalter, Roy Wagoner, 
Henry Ballinger, Roy Hollinger and Rudy Hollopeter. The Sunday 
school has an average attendance of 112, and the membership is 180. 
The first District Assembly was held in this church, August 19, 20, 
21, 1919. Harris Creek is wide awake. 



SBMBBB 



Oakland 

THE Harris Creek Church was in a prosperous condition and had 
been extending appointments west and as far north as North 
Star, Celina and the reservoir. This territory included what 
became known later as North Star and Ash Grove congregations. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 217 

Joseph Risser was then in the active stage of his ministry. At this 
time because of its large membership and territory it was thought 
that more efficient work could be done by dividing the territory. A 
line of division was very harmoniously agreed upon running north and 
south, one and one half miles west of the Harris Creek House. The 
part lying east of said line, retained the old name, Harris Creek. The 
territory west, was called Oakland. This latter division included the 
North Star and Ash Grove territories. A committee was appointed to 
set a value on the help that the members in the Oakland division had 
given Harris Creek in the building of their house. This matter was 
also adjusted with perfect harmony. 

This organization of the Oakland Church occurred in 1865. The 
officers of this new organization were Elder Isaac Miller as elder in 
charge, assisted by Samuel Rairigh, and John C. Miller who was the 
only deacon. These men in the ministry were both earnest, consecrated 
men. They worked together with harmony and the cause prospered in 
their hands. Elder Miller had come from Virginia some years before, 
and located near Salem and then moved into the Oakland territory, by 
invitation, in prospect of the division of the territory and the organiza- 
tion of the Oakland Church which followed. The church was placed 
in his care at the time of its organization. He was kind and watchful 
as an overseer ; and was held in high esteem. The church remained in 
his care during his residence in the Oakland Church. 

About 1871 he left the Oakland Church and moved to Woodland, 
Michigan, and was an associate in building up the cause in that pioneer 
country. Samuel Rairigh had moved from Indiana County, Pennsyl- 
vania some years before this into the Oakland territory. He was a 
man of good zeal and with some efficiency in the ministry. Upon Elder 
Miller leaving, brother Rairigh was ordained in his stead, and Emanuel 
Hershey, then a deacon, was elected to the ministry. 

The matter of a house of worship had received early attention by 
this new organization. A brick house was agreed upon. Aaron K. 
Miller burnt the brick and the house was built in 1866. Brother Cop- 
pess an assistant in the ministry had moved into the Oakland Church 
territory and with other of the brethren was assisting in the building 
of the house. In handling a piece of timber, he was struck and re- 
ceived an injury which was thought to have finally resulted in his 



218 History of the Church of the Brethren 



death. The accident cast a gloom over the building of the house. 
John Hershey preached the dedicatory sermon to a large congregation. 
He greatly interested his hearers. The brethren here felt much at 
home in their new place of worship and their efforts were followed 
with good results. Since the spring of 1867, Jerry Katherman and 
John Martin had served as deacons. The election of Jacob Bashore 
and Isaiah Rairigh to the office of deacon soon followed. The latter 
lived near the Swamp Creek house. About 1871, Elias Dickey, in the 
ministry, moved to the Oakland congregation from Union City Church. 
He assisted in the ministry for about four years and then moved into 
the vicinity of North Star, where he labored until his death. As calls 
for preaching were increasing, there was a need for additonal help 
in the ministry. About 1873 an election was held in which Jerry 
Katherman and Isaiah Rairigh were chosen on a tie vote. 

They were both installed into the ministry by common consent. 
Brother Rairigh was a man of limited education, but being spiritual 
and having a love for the cause, with good descriptive powers and a 
fine memory, he soon entertained his congregation, and was an edifying 
preacher. He became a most useful evangelist. As he lived in the 
vicinity of Swamp Creek house, the work at this place was in 
a large measure left in his hands. He soon gathered a good congrega- 
tion, with good interest in the community. The Swamp Creek house 
was situated about six miles north of Versailles, and not being occupied, 
the brethren had secured the house and with some repairs it answered 
a good purpose for a number of years, proving to be rather a central 
point in the community. But in 1880, brother Rairigh chose to leave 
this work and moved to Woodland Michigan. His leaving was a matter 
of regret to the Oakland Church and especially to Swamp Creek and 
that vicinity. In 1874 George Rairigh and Martin Hardman were chosen 
deacons. With the church's present working force, they were not 
only holding services in the two houses, the central brick and Swamp 
Creek house, but were holding services beyond in the Union or Hols- 
opple house and at the Mulberry school house. At each of these 
points there seemed to be a good measure of interest. Joseph Groff 
had moved to North Star from Pitsburg Church. He was helpful in 
the work in that part of the territory. Isaiah Rairigh had in his time 



of the Southern District of Ohio 219 

held some helpful meetings in this vicinity. He began the meetings 
first in a private house and then in a school house. A number of good 
stable citizens were gathered into the church, which gave the church 
an appearance of permanence in those parts. At the central brick 
house, the church had been sustaining a continued loss in her ministry. 
Isaac Miller and Isaiah Rairigh had gone to Michigan. Samuel Rairigh 
and his son, George, who was a deacon, left for Kansas about 1878; 
there now remained brethren Jeremiah Katherman and Emanuel Her- 
shey. Abraham Brumbaugh was elected to the ministry in 1879. The 
church was for several years without a local elder; finally Emanuel 
Hoover, of Harris Creek was chosen. But the same year, 1881, the Old 
Order division occurred, and as Elder Hoover went with it, the church 
was again without an elder, Brother Hoover having held the eldership 
of the Oakland Church less than a year. About twenty members went 
with the Old Order division, which included all of the deacons but 
Jacob Bashore. 

A council was called in September of that year, and Elder Joseph 
KaufTman and Thomas Wenrick were called to adjust their matters 
and Jeremiah Katherman was ordained. In a short time another 
council was called and Noah Miller, David Bosserman and John Long 
were elected deacons. In June, 1881, a council was held at North Star 
and Frank Cordier was elected to the ministry. He was installed 
by Elders William Cassel and Joshua Baker both of whom went with 
the "Old Order" in August of that year. 

Some years previous Abraham Detrick moved from Virginia and 
located near Dayton, Ohio. It was about this time that Brother Detrick 
moved to the Oakland Church and made his home with his son-in-law, 
Daniel Miller. Brother Detrick was a man of good general informa- 
tion, of zeal and activity in his ministry, hence helpful to the brethren 
at Oakland. There arose a desire for further ministerial help in the 
northern part of their territory. An election was held and Nathan 
Groff was called to the ministry. He resided in the vicinity of North 
Star. Brother Groff was a zealous home worker and the church 
made some growth in his locality. His family, as they grew up, 
identified themselves with the church and thus became helpful. 



220 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



John H. Christian was called to the ministry, February 20, 1884; 
B. F. Honeyman was elected to the ministry, and Joseph Halladay and 
Moses Miller to the office of deacon, November 18, 1885. There 
were a number of members living in and around Beamsville, a village 
six miles northwest of Oakland house, that became desirous for a 
place of worship. This call resulted in the brethren buying a house 
not occupied in the village, and the brethren kept their regular ap- 
pointments here for some time with some interest and' a number were 
received into the church ; but at length some of the members moved 
away and the interest began to decline, until the efforts of the brethren 




Oakland Church. 



at that place ceased and the house again was sold. After brother 
Rairigh left Swamp Creek, they were without a local preacher ; but 
their appointments were supplied by ministers around therm Oliver 
Yount, of Tippecanoe City, held them a revival service in which 
a number were added to the church ; from here he went to North 
Star and held a meeting of considerable interest. Their needs at 
Swamp Creek led them to hold a local election and Henry Longanecker 
was called to the ministry, September 8, 1882. The house now 
needed repairs ; these were made, a Sunday school was organized and 
Brother Longanecker gave the work his special attention and a good 



of the Southern District of Ohio 221 

interest was again created ; but after Brother Longanecker had been 
there some years, he left them and moved to Anderson, Indiana. 

August 17, 1892, Emanuel Hershey was ordained to the eldership, 
but he only served as an assistant ; and at the ripe age of eighty he 
resigned all service as an elder. I. B. Miller was elected to the 
ministry, February 20, 1895. John Brewer, Samuel Halladay and H. Z. 
Smith were elected deacons November 20, 1895. Abraham Brumbaugh 
and J. H. Christian were ordained to the eldership August 18, 1897, 
and the following year Elder Jeremiah Katherman resigned his care 
of the church. He had proven to be watchful and kind in his care of 
the church, but he was growing old, and Elder John H. Christian was 
chosen, August 17, 1898, in his stead. Elder Brumbaugh, in 1892, 
moved to Greenville. As there was considerable of a membership in 
the northern part of the Oakland territory, at Swamp Creek, North 
Star and Mulberry Chapel, there was a call to place the members in 
this territory in a separate organization. The brethren at North Star 
had built a very commodious house of worship in 1883. The Oakland 
Church in counsel consented to the organization. (See History of the 
North Star Church.) J. M. Stover, a minister, came August 21, 1901, 
and lived here awhile. H. Z. Smith was elected to the ministry, March 
18, 1903. On May. 6, 1911, Elmer Aikey was chosen to the ministry, 
and with some reluctance accepted the office. Henry Maurer and I. M. 
Young were elected deacons May 17, 1913. H. Z. Smith was ordained 
to the eldership August 30, 1913. Hugh Miller held a meeting of 
considerable interest in the month of December, 1914, with a number 
of conversions. 

At a council in January, 1915, the church called brother Miller to 
take the pastorate of the church. Elder H. Z. Smith moved to the 
Logan Church that spring. Elder Christian served faithfully as elder 
until November 27, 1915, when Elder D. M. Garver was chosen in his 
stead, and served two years, when he resigned, and Elder Charles 
Flory was then chosen and still continues. P. N. Cool, a minister, also 
resided here awhile. Daniel M. Boyer was elected deacon August 18, 
1916, and Water J. Martin was chosen deacon August 25, 1917. May 
18, 1918 an election for deacons was held and Samuel A. Overholser, 
Homer Detrick and Harvey E. Martin were chosen. In the spring 



222 History of the Church of the Brethren 

of 1919, John Eikenberry located in Gettysburg. May 24, 1919, Hugh 
Miller was ordained to the eldership. September 1, 1919, Elder Miller 
terminated his pastoral work here leaving Elder Eikenberry who did 
most of the preaching until his moving away in November, 1919. The 
average attendance at Sunday school is 120 and the church enrolls 
235 members. The present deacon board consists of Jesner Brewer, 
John Brewer, I. M. Young, D. M. Boyer, Moses Miller, Homer Detrick, 
Harvey Martin, Walter Martin and Samuel Overholser. Elder Charles 
Flory is now serving as non-resident pastor. Oakland, as its name 
indicates, is a sturdy church. 



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(5) 
Bradford 

BRADFORD is a town, originally in the bounds of the Upper 
Stillwater Church whose name was changed in 1914 to Harris 
Creek Church. Bradford is a railroad town and most of 
its male inhabitants are employed in that service. For some years, a 
number of brethren were located in this town and were in some 
branch of this work. The church at first provided for their attendance 
at the Harris Creek services by running a hack to the church house 
which was situated a mile and a half north of the town. As the 
membership increased, the number became too great to be so con- 
veyed, besides the members' children began to attend Sunday schools 
in town because of their proximity. This condition led the Harris 
Creek Church to grant the Bradford members the privilege to or- 
ganize a Sunday school in town, which was done May 28, 1915, in Ora 
Stover's photographic studio and the first Sunday's attendance num- 
bered fifty-four. In a short time the Sunday school had outgrown 
its quarters but through the kindness of Mr. Nate Iddings, a pioneer 
business man of the town, who offered in behalf of his granddaughter, 
Mildred Iddings, after whom the hall had been named, the free 



of the Southern District of Ohio 223 

use of Mildred Hall, into which the Brethren moved their Sunday 
school, June 27, 1915, Preaching services had been held regularly in 
the studio on Sunday evening, but as the attendance grew, there was 
pressure to have it also at the close of Sunday school. The member- 
ship now numbered one hundred, including three ministers, which 
circumstance caused the members in Bradford to feel that they should 
be a separate organization. Owing to the nearness of the Harris 
Creek house, objections were at first raised. Finally, a council was 
called April 17, 1917, and a division of territory made. The bounds 
of the new organization being the corporation lines of the village, 
including Oakdale and all future additions that shall be made to the 
town. 

The church was organized February 25, 1917, with the presence 
and help of Elders J. H. Christian, D. D. Wine and Lawrence Kreider. 
J. M. Stover was chosen their elder, and H. C. Royer, clerk and 
treasurer. The official body was composed of J. M. Stover, S. E.. 
Porter and Edward Miller in the ministry and Clarence E. Crowell in 
the deaconship. The charter members were above the one hundred 
mark. A very favorable lot location has since been secured and a 
convenient church edifice will be erected on the same soon. The 
District Meeting of 1918 granted permission to canvass the churches 
of Southern Ohio for funds. The solicitation has been made and 
the response of the churches has been generous. Though Edward 
Miller has moved away and John H. Christian, who had moved here, 
died soon after, the ministerial force has been increased by the moving 
in of P. N. Cool, and also the. election of J. E. Overholser March 20, 
1918, and W. E. Royer, November 19, 1919. The deacon board was in- 
creased by the election of Edward Etter and Thomas W. Crowell, 
August 7, 1918. The Sunday school averages ninety- five. 



224 History of the Church of the Brethren 



(6) 

North Star 

THE boundary between the North Star and Oakland Churches 
was decided upon August 19, 1885. For details of its organ- 
ization, see history of the Oakland Church of which it had 
been a part. There were about one hundred and twenty mem- 

bers at the time of organization of this new church located around 
North Star village, Swamp Creek and the Coate school house, now 
called Mulberry Chapel. The ministers were Joseph and Nathan 
GrofT, Henry Longanecker and Frank Cordier. The deacons were 
Israel Deeter, Martin Hardman, Calvin Shively and Benjamin Coate. 
The brethren had been holding services alternately in the Bennett and 
Coate school houses, but after the Coate school house ceased to be 
used for school purposes, Benjamin Coate bought the house and 
fitted it up for church work. The house was then called Mulberry 
Chapel, and services were discontinued at the Bennett school house. 
As Isaac Rairigh has some years previously held a protracted meeting 
in the Coate school house, also with some meetings in private dwellings, 
which created a good interest in the vicinity, with a number of addi- 
tions to the church, this newly organized congregation with its full 
corps of officers, started with encouraging prospects. Soon after its 
organization, Vincent Halladay was elected to the office of deacon. 
The brethren had held regular services in the Holsopple Chapel until 
the building of the North Star house which was in 1883, when 
regular preaching services were established in the new house. From 
that time forth preaching services ceased at the Holsopple Chapel, 
save on occasions such as funerals. A Sunday school was soon or- 
ganized at the North Star house and placed in the hands of Henry 
Longanecker. David Coate was elected to the ministry at Mulberry 
Chapel in 1887. The interest of the church seemed encouraging, so 
much so that sentiment arose for a new house of worship. The 



of the Southern District of Ohio 225 

necessary steps were taken to secure the funds, and the house was 
built three miles north of Coldwater, in the vicinity of the Coates 
and Cordiers. The house was built the spring of 1896 and was 
named Ash Grove Church. The house since has been remodeled, with 
better seats and double front doors as the law defines. A council 
was called in 1896 to elect some deacons. The choice rather evenly 
fell on Noah Coate, Benjamin Baker, Isaac Shively and Daniel Leach. 
This number was in excess of the first wishes of the church. The 
balloting was repeated, but with nearly the same results, finally all 
four were installed by, the church. In the earlier history of the 
church, the vicinity of Swamp Creek was the place of the largest 
interest of the North Star congregation. The Stonerocks, the Deeters 
and the Wises were the pioneer members of the church in that 
locality. The Oakland brethren had given this point their early at- 
tention, and their efforts met with encouragement. Oliver Yount, 
one of the brethren's early evangelists had held some meetings there 
which were attended with a number of conversions. Henry Longa- 
necker lived in this vicinity and gave Swamp Creek special attention, 
but in 1895, Brother Longanecker moved away, and Swamp Creek 
was left without a local minister, and soon the community began to 
lose interest. Death and removal reduced the membership. Meetings 
were held but were without results, and it is a matter of regret that 
a field once so promising is now unoccupied. The North Star 
house is six miles from Swamp Creek, and one half mile east of 
North Star village. A large district of that country is thickly settled 
with a German element of Lutherans and Roman Catholics, especially 
the latter and are well entrenched. The Catholics especially seem 
unanimous to have one of their number ready to buy all the land 
adjacent to them as it comes into market, while land owned by them 
is rarely ever sold. They had very good success in getting their 
children permanently into their church and also built a commodious 
house of worship in the village of North Star. Hence, the North 
Star congregation was not a promising field. 

Joseph Groff left North Star and moved to Covington in 1895, 
and the same year Henry Baker, a minister, moved from Hardin 
County to the North Star Church. Nathan Groff was now chosen 
as their elder. He held this position until his loss of hearing dis- 
qualified him. Upon his resignation, March, 1908, Elder David Hoi- 



226 History of the Church of the Brethren 

linger was chosen in his stead, who served one year, and upon his 
resignation, Elder Melvin Rensberger was chosen. Frank Martin 
had been in the ministry since June, 1887, at the North Star house. 
Here D. P. Groff and Ira Shellabarger were elected deacons and 
later F. L. Baker was called to the work. Jesse Baker was elected 
to the ministry in 1904. The Brethren remodeled their church house, 
put in new seats and fitted up Sunday-school rooms in 1915. Elder 
Rensberger, on moving to Canada, resigned his care of the church 
and Elder S. Z. Smith was chosen. 

As the Ash Grove house was sixteen miles distant from the 
North Star house, the two colonies did much of their business separate- 
ly and independent of each other, but their love feasts were held in 
common. This condition naturally paved the way for two congrega- 
tions. Hence, in March, 1916, the two colonies by common consent 
were declared two congregations, and were called North Star and 
Ash Grove. In 1918 the membership of North Star was fifty-four, 
but a rapid decline set in, caused by an exodus of ministers and 
members, and other unfavorable conditions as noted before. Elders 
Nathan Groff and H. Jesse Baker moved to Beech Grove, and H. M. 
Baker has moved to Sidney. A petition was presented to the District 
Meeting of 1919, asking for the disorganization of the church 
and sale of the church property, The district appointed Elders S. Z. 
Smith, Sylvan Bookwalter and John B. Gump to work in connection 
with the trustees of the church in the disposition of the property. 
This committee met with the members assembled June 19, 1919, and 
after careful consideration, decided it would be for the best interests 
of all to dispose of the property. This was granted by the court and 
it was sold September 2, 1919, the members being assigned member- 
ship in adjoining congregations. The North Star Church which had 
shone undimmed in the more northern galaxy of the congregations of 
our district for so many years, sank, shall we say to rise no more? 
God forbid ! May her candlestick again be relit sometime and some- 
how in this region where her light is so much needed. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 227 



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(7) 
Ash Grove 

PREVIOUS to its organization Ash Grove Church was part of 
the North Star congregation. The officials at North Star 
were Nathan G.roff, H. M. Baker, Frank Martin and Jesse 
Baker in the ministry, with Charles Miller, D. P. Groff and Ira 
Shellabarger as deacons. The Ash Grove congregation had Frank 
Cordier alone in the ministry with Noah Coate and Benjamin Baker 
as deacons. The church has since called R. T. Wagoner to the 
deaconship. Frank Weimer was requested by the church to assist 
Brother Cordier in the ministry. At the organization of the Ash 
Grove Church, S. Z. Smith was retained as their elder, then Frank 
Weimer was next chosen, and lastly J. A. Guthrie. In 1872, 
Jeremiah Rogers and wife moved from New York to the vicinity of 
Ash Grove. He was a man of little means and poor health, and he died 
about 1890. His widow joined the Church of the Brethren soon after, 
and proved to be a most faithful member. About 1895 she had an 
attack of la grippe which left her in total loss of her sight. The 
brethren and sisters with her neighbors joined in her care. On the 
10th of November, 1915, she celebrated her one hundredth anniversary, 
a number of the members and her old neighbors being present. She 
sat up most of the day, related a number of incidents that occurred 
back in her childhood, spoke much of her loving Saviour and told 
of her anxiety to go to Him. She recited a most beautiful poem, 
learned in her youth. After a season of devotion she was anointed, 
in which she expressed great joy. She lived to celebrate her one 
hundred and first anniversary, but in a few more months she passed 
away. At the time of her death, she was probably the oldest member 
of the Church of the Brethren anywhere in the world. The member- 
ship at Ash Grove now numbers twenty-two and F. P. Cordier is their 
resident minister. 



228 History of the Church of the Brethren 



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LseJ LgeJ lieJ lieJ iizJ l*eJ LaeJ 

Loramie 

THE Loramie Church, lying north of the Covington Church and 
west of Sidney, is so named because of Loramie Creek that runs 
through its territory. The Loramie Church is due to a 

few families of members that moved into that locality early in 
the fifties. Among them were Moses Landis, John Hollinger, the 
Fristo family and the Souders family, who were soon followed by 
others. The field has always experienced a dearth in its local help 
in the ministry. Those who ministered to their needs were nearly 
always called from adjacent fields. The first ministers who labored 
in their field were Abraham and Davis Younce. John Hershey and 
the Mohlers also made them stated visits. For many years the 
preaching services were held in private houses and in school houses, 
until 1866 when the first house for worship was built. It was not 
at all an expensive house, but they very much enjoyed the services 
that it afforded. The members had been organized about 1858. with 
Samuel Mohler as their elder and the church yet continued their 
appointments without local ministerial help, and while their number 
was small, their meetings were of good interest. The deacons in 
the early history of the church were Moses Hollinger and Abraham 
Whitmer. During these years they kept up regular appointments 
either once or twice each month, but their Sunday school was or- 
ganized at an early date and was kept in session both summer and 
winter, with a fair interest. 

Their love feasts were held once a year, a number would attend 
from adjoining churches, so that the Loramie feasts were of interest. 
About the year 1880 they held their first election for a minister and 
the lot fell on Jacob Hollinger who was earnest and devoted and the 
cause seemed to prosper at his hands. Brethren from adjoining con- 
gregations came to Brother Hollinger's assistance and the work moved 



of the Southern District of Ohio 229 

encouragingly. About 1885 another election was held in which Jonathan 
Hoover and Edward Danford were called to the ministry and George 
Helman to the office of deacon. This change seemed to have furthered 
the interest of the little Loramie Church. Brother Hollinger continued 
his services faithfully for about ten years and then moved to Indiana. 
Brother Hoover was a most faithful attendant in all the church 
activities, and one of the church's willing workers. About 1908 he 
moved to the Salem Church. He was a man who "had a good report 
of them which are without." 

Samuel Mohler was their first elder, and he held the care of 
the church for a number of years. In 1887 the church passed into 
the hands of Elder I. J. Rosenberger, assisted in the ministry by 
brethren Hoover and Danford. The church decided to hold her feasts 
semi-annually and precede each meeting with a ten day service. 
This the church did for two successive years, at which meetings there 
were about thirty additions. Nearly all of the members' children 
were now in the church. 

The church house of their first building was inadequate for their 
present needs but as the Loramie Church felt itself insufficient to 
meet the necessary expense, the adjoining churches were solicited for 
aid. The Covington Church responded quite liberally, and a very 
convenient house was built in 1885. This new house free of debt 
gave them impetus for their work. J. S. Whitmer and Nathan Crumus 
were elected deacons about 1895. At a called council August 6, 1904, 
U. R. McCorkle was elected to the ministry and Job Helman and W. 
F. Taylor were elected deacons. Brother McCorkle being a brother 
of promise, took hold of the work with some zeal. Elder Rosen- 
berger after serving for twenty-one years in care of the church as 
well as assisting them frequently in their ministry, resigned in February 
1908, and Elder David Hollinger was chosen in his stead. Ora Younker 
and Levi McCorkle were elected deacons. Elder Hollinger resigned 
his care of the church after serving them one year, and Elder Jacob 
Coppock was chosen. 

As Brother Danford had ceased to work with the church and 
Brother Hoover had moved away, Brother McCorkle was left alone 
in the ministry. He felt the work too arduous alone, so the church 
called Ira Frantz, of Illinois to take the pastorate of the congregation. 
This association continued until 1919 when Brother Frantz moved to 



230 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Kansas leaving Brother McCorkle again the only minister in the field. 
After Elder Coppock resigned, S. Z. Smith was chosen, and after him 
Charles L. Flory, the present elder in charge, who has done much 
ministerial work here the past year. Brother McCorkle was ordained 
an elder in 1918. There has been a considerable declension of the 
Loramie Church caused by death and emigration so that their 
number is now much reduced, being but fifty-five, with an average 
attendance of thirty-five at Sunday school. 



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(9) 
Sidney (Mosquito Creek) 

WHAT was once called the Mosquito Creek Church was started 
on Mosquito Creek six miles east of Sidney about 1830. Its 
charter members in that wild wooded country were 
the Keslers, Strubles and the Thorps. These were followed by the 
Kisers and the Maneers. The first minister in that colony that 
the record shows, was Brother Struble ; near the same time Ben- 
jamin Kiser was chosen to the ministry. The Shelby County history 
gives the following of Brother Kiser: "Benjamin Kiser was born in 
1800. He w r as the tenth of fourteen children of Peter Kiser who came 
from Virginia in 1799. Benjamin Kiser has been an industrious and 
energetic man and was one of the strongest men of his day. He was 
a great woodsman, both with his ax and his gun. He has cut and 
split four hundred rails in a day. He was a noted hunter as was his 
father before him, and he had a long life of hard toil. He spent thirty 
years of his life in the ministry of the Church of the Brethren, to which 
he was strongly attached. About six years ago Father Kiser had his 
leg broken, from which he never recovered, being compelled to walk 
with crutches. He now spends his time reading his Bible and with 
other books and papers. He gazes upon the same place where he used 
to meet the Red man and which has become the site of the church and 
the school house. Many were the deer and the wolf that met their fate 



of the Southern District of Ohio 231 

at the crack of his rifle ; as did also the catamount and other wild ani- 
mals." This history was compiled in 1883. Brother Kiser was then 
living in his eighty-third year; and among his sorrows was the burial 
of first, second and third wives. His fourth wife kindly cared for him 
in his old days. Under his fostering care with his co-laborers they 
had gathered a very good congregation. The first meetings were held 
in private dwellings. The first love feast was held under a shed 
attached to Brother Kiser's dwelling ; feasts were also held in Brother 
Maneer's barn. The new church worked with much harmony and 
baptisms were frequent, all without our modern activities of Sunday 
schools or revivals. Their growth and prosperity led them to feel that 
they ought to have a house for worship. The project met with general 
approval, and a brick house was agreed upon, in size about 30 by 36 
feet. Their membership was now about seventy-five. They all enjoyed 
their new house of worship, and their numbers continued to grow. The 
ministry was assisted by the early ministers of the Logan County 
Church. Samuel Mohler and Samuel Murray of Covington paid them 
occasional visits. 

In the midst of their prosperity at this time, the spirit of western 
emigration seized this community and eight families of their member- 
ship joined the number and moved west. This included their pioneer 
minister, Brother Struble, whom they dearly loved. This loss they 
felt most keenly. They however seemed to renew their efforts with 
increased energy. Brother Kiser took up the work with commend- 
able zeal. Their deacons were now brethren Shroyer, Givins and 
Dunn. The ministers adjoining continued or rather increased their 
visits and they soon rallied and their numbers exceeded their former 
count. 

The years of 1880 and 1881 were the years in which the Old 
Order division disturbed this church. During these years Samuel 
Murray was a frequent visitor to the Mosquito Creek Church, so much 
so that the visits of other ministers were not so necessary. The matter 
of the Old Order division seemed to have been well molded and 
shaped up for their council preparatory to their feast. Elder Emanuel 
Hoover from Harris Creek assisted Brother Murray in the council ; 
and when the matter of the Old Order claim was presented the entire 
church except three members voted to go with the Old Order move- 
ment. After this council Elder Samuel Mohler sent some brethren to 



232 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



visit the entire membership and more fully explain the question they 
had voted upon. As the church paper was not so generally patronized 
and read then, as it now is, many members did not properly understand 
the real issue of the question. The results at a future meeting were 
that a number of those who had voted to go with the Old Order 
Brethren changed their vote. This proved to be a season of most sad 
experience for the little isolated though prosperous church. Services 
continued in the little old brick house. Brother Kiser continued his 
efforts in the ministry ; and about 1885 Jacob Huber was elected 




Sidney Church and Parsonage. 

deacon and the adjoining brethren continued to make them regular 
visits; but the division left unpleasant results that were not confined 
to the church alone, but to the community, and the future labors of our 
brethren in that locality became fruitless. The church became a mission 
point, and the Mission Board placed the care of it in the hands of Elder 
Samuel Mohler. The board next secured the help of Henry Longa- 
necker of North Star, who preached from July 1, 1893 to March 12. 
1895. 

A number of members had moved into Sidney in the years pre- 
vious who occasionally attended services at the Loramie Church, ten 
miles west of Sidney These members called on the Mission Board to 
investigate Sidney with a view of changing their place of work from 



of the Southern District of Ohio 233 

Mosquito Creek to Sidney. The Mission Board examined the location 
and decided to make the change. They purchased a house vacated by 
the German Methodists on Ohio and South Streets, and paid $2,200 
for the house and grounds. The old brick house on Mosquito Creek 
that had served the good cause so long and so well was abandoned. By 
virtue of a clause in the deed, the house fell back to the original heirs 
of the land. 

Brother Loganecker now moved, March 28, 1896, into the lower 
story of the newly bought church. There were now forty-seven mem- 
bers in the ctiy and adjacent country. Brother Longanecker gave the 
work his personal attention and the little band grew. He conducted a 
Sunday school with some interest and remained in charge of the work 
four years, during which time there were forty-four additions by bap- 
tism and others moving into the city. The Mission Board then secured 
P. B. Fitzwater to take charge of the Sidney mission. He came with 
his family and remained three and one-half years. There was some 
growth both in the church services and in the Sunday school. But it 
was not rapid. The location was not favorable to the best interests of 
the church. The records show fourteen additions by baptism during 
Brother Fitzwater's labors. Upon Brother Fitzwater's leaving, the 
Mission Board had the appointments filled by different brethren as they 
could secure them from the adjacent congregations. This method was 
not followed with the results desired ; so they secured S. Z. Smith 
from the Valley Church, who came each alternate Sunday for one year. 
He then moved into Sidney. As the location was not proving satisfac- 
tory the board purchased a house and two lots on Grove Street. They 
sold the old house for $3,500, and the new purchase cost $1,800. They 
proceeded at once to put up the new house using cement blocks. The 
house was built 38 x 50 at a cost of $2,800. The Mission Board met 
the increased expense of the new house with local aid. The last serv- 
ice held in the old house was July 30, 1905, and the new house was 
dedicated August 7, Elder Jacob Coppock leading the services. 
The interest of the cause took on new life and a number were baptized 
the first year. The growth has been continuing on a line that is very 
encouraging. 

A most peculiar condition in the official line was that David King 
was elected deacon in 1899 and remained the only deacon for eleven 



234 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Elder John M. Pittenger and Wife. 

Elder Pittenger was the first missionary sent to a foreign field (India) from 

Southern Ohio. He is a product of the Pleasant Hill Church, one 

of the churches of this group just considered. 




Elder Isaac Frantz 
Widely known as an excellent evangelist. He is now the elder of thei 

Covington Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 235 

years, at which time he passed to his reward. In 1900 William Hall, 
S. P. Nupp and Lewis King were elected deacons. There soon existed 
a feeling that their room was insufficient especially for their Sunday 
school and for love feasts. The Mission Board decided to enlarge the 
house. They built an ell addition and it gave them in all nine Sunday- 
school rooms. This was much appreciated. Their Sunday school now 
averages one hundred and twenty and the church has one hundred and 
seventy members. Elder Smith continues as pastor. The present dea- 
con board consists of J. M. Brenneman, L. L. King, Ora Yonker, and 
Jacob Nill. The cause at Sidney has so prospered that the District 
Meeting of 1919 granted the church its request to be thrown on its own 
resources and it is now a self-supporting church. 



CHAPTER VII. 



The Central Group 



mmmmm 

Jjgj (^pj (jgj {eg ) (^e^ 




Arlington Church. 



m m m m m m m 

l <y) (,qp; ( <v> ) (»)(?; l<-x?J L^J Lgg J 

Introduction 



THIS territory was known as the Salem and Younce churches, 
both being settled about the same time. The Salem 
Church was an extension from Lower Stillwater and Wolf 
Creek, while Younce Church was largely an immigration from the 
Carolinas in the faithful second decade of the century. They were 
in both cases interwoven in marriage with stable German descendants 
of the early settlers from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. 
Notably in this region may be named the Younces, Hyres, Burketts, 
Brumbaughs, Stauffers, Stutsmans, Minnichs, Sollenbergers, Heck- 
mans, Coppocks, etc. The membership of these churches was constantly 
increased by members moving here, from the Lower and L T pper Miami 
churches all through the fourth to the eighth decade of the last century. 
Ministers of these churches supplied the scattered membership before 
an organization was effected. Emanuel Flory and Philip Younce 
were among the first resident preachers here. Henry Brumbaugh was 
one of the first Brethren to settle on the Salem side. Daniel Oaks is 
credited with being the first member who lived on the Painter Creek 
side. He is thought by some to have been the first white man to 
build a cabin in Franklin Township, Darke County, and in this 
cabin, Philip Younce is said to have delivered the first sermon ever 
preached by the Brethren on Painter Creek. He also preached the 
first sermon ever delivered in Monroe Township, same county. 

The task of settling, and establishing churches in this new 
region was great. Looking at this beautiful, fertile and improved 
country to-day, it is difficult to imagine that one hundred years ago, 
it was covered with a dense forest, gloomy and almost impenetrable 
swamps, hardly anywhere a mark of civilization to greet the eye of 
the hardy pioneer ; no churches, no schools, with nothing but the 
howl of the wolf, the screech of the panther, the rapid flight of the 
timid deer, the whoop of the red man or the whiz of his arrow to 



240 History of the Church of the Brethren 

break the enchanted stillness that reigned supreme in nature's wild 
dominion. The brethren and sisters who live in the prosperous 
churches found in this section to-day, are the recipients of the labors 
and privations of the fathers of the church in the past, who by their 
trust in God and their own energy in the face of every obstacle, 
planted permanently primitive Christianity in this region. 

The churches of this group will be considered in the following 
order: Salem, Middle District, West Milton, Brush Creek (Ludlow 
and Painter Creek), Ludlow (Pitsburg), and Painter Creek. 



(i) 

Salem 

SALEM Church, organized in 1817, was formed from the northern 
part of Wolf Creek and Lower Stillwater churches as de- 
fined by the Settlement Council of 1811, as referred to in 
history of above churches. Its territory then, as now, comprised 
parts of Montgomery, Miami, Darke and Preble counties. Elder Eman- 
uel Flory of the Wolf Creek Church was the first Presiding Elder. So 
far as can now be known, the following names represent families as 
charter members : John Studebaker and Isaac Karns, ministers ; Jacob 
Warner, John Brower, Sr., and John Warner, deacons ; Henry Brum- 
baugh, Henry Butterbaugh, John and Jacob Mishler, David Warner, 
Jacob Leedy, Jacob Arnold, Jacob and John Brumbaugh, Joseph 
Christian, Jacob Albaugh, Daniel Eller, Joseph and Jacob Flory, Jacob 
Overholser, John Cloppert, John and Henry Warner, Samuel Michael, 
David Miller and David Harshbarger. These early settlers had all 
the experiences of pioneers in these Western Wilds and some strange 
things occurred. At one of their meetings for worship, the wives of 
Henry Brumbaugh and Jacob Arnold met and recognized each other 
as own sisters. Years ago they had become separated in the East 
and now found they were located in this new country less than two 
miles apart. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 241 

This church was somewhat disturbed by the movement headed 
by Michael Landis of the Wolf Creek Church. John Studebaker and 
John Cloppert, St'., ministers, were led off, but later returned to their 
first love. Their misfortune seems to have been too keen a vision, 
for most of their views are now firmly believed and practiced by the 
church. John Warner was one of the earliest deacons elected. William 
Stoner came here from Maryland as a deacon and lived with his 
son, David. Samuel Brumbaugh, born 1806, came here with his 
father, Henry Brumbaugh in 1812. He married Elizabeth Rinehart 
in 1829 and they were baptized in 1830. In 1847 they were called 
to serve in the deacon's office. He was especially helpful, as he had 
considerable means and was always considerate of the poor. He died 
in 1895. After Elder Emanuel Flory moved to the Palestine Church 
about 1830, Elder John Studebaker probably became the elder until 
he became connected with the Landisite Movement when Isaac Karns 
who had moved to Miami County, seems to have assumed the over- 
sight. After Elder Studebaker's return to the fold he may have 
been the Presiding Elder a few years, though this is somewhat doubt- 
ful, as Elder Karns seems to have moved back again and we find 
him in charge up to 1848, about which time he moved to Indiana and 
Elder John Bower, Jr., became the ruling bishop. Adam Shock was 
chosen to the ministry in 1853 at a Love-feast Meeting held in the 
barn of Samuel Brumbaugh. He never entered actively into the 
service and in 1864 moved to Huntington County, Indiana. 

About 1858 William Cassel and Jacob Landis were elected to the 
ministry. The former soon moved to Ludlow Church and later became 
a leader in the Old Order movement in 1881. Jacob Landis moved 
to Kosciusko County, Indiana. In 1854, William Heckman was elected 
deacon. In 1858 Abraham Detrick came here as a minister from 
Rockingham County, Virginia. Isaac Miller, also from Virginia, labored 
here for several years. He is said to have been a minister of excep- 
tional worth, a logical reasoner, though rather poor voice for ex- 
pression. Later he moved to Harris Creek. About 1869 Joseph 
Gnodle and Eli Shearer became deacons of this church through cession 
of territory from Ludlow. John Flory came here as a minister from 
Virginia during the Civil War and served about two years and 
then returned to Virginia. On June 9, 1864 Samuel Shellabarger was 
elected to the ministry, and John W. Sollenberger and George Nis- 



242 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 243 

wonger to the deacon's office. November 17, 1864, Brother Sollenber- 
ger was called to the ministry and William Beachler was made deacon. 
August, 1866, Jesse Kinsey and Jesse Stutsman were elected deacons. 
August, 1867, the latter was called to the ministry and in 1869, moved 
to Ludlow Church. After the emigration of Elder John Bower in 
1861, the church had no resident elder for fifteen years. Affairs were 
directed by the local ministers, often assisted in their council by elders 
living near. Abraham Flory of Lower Stillwater was especially 
helpful. In 1876, David Murray came here as an elder from Lower 
Miami. He had charge of the church for eight years. August, 1872, 
Jesse Kinsey was elected minister and John Flory, deacon. About 
1874, John Cloppert, Jr., and Abraham Landis, Sr., were elected 
deacons and later Abraham Landis, Jr., was called to the same 
office. Upon the death of Elder David Murray in 1884, Elder 

John W. Sollenberger became elder in charge, followed by Elder Jesse 
Kinsey in 1889, who continued until his death in 1899. John Cloppert 
Jr., elected in 1880, served in the ministry a few years but poor health 
prevented much activity. Elijah Rohrer, John H. Brumbaugh and John 
J. Detrick w T ere elected deacons in 1881 and Adam Pfeifer and Joseph 
Fidler in 1888. Jesse K. Brumbaugh was called to the ministry in 1884 
and John H. Brumbaugh in 1887. 

A strong sentiment had now developed favoring the organization 
of a Sunday school. A vote taken in 1885 showed a majority opposed. 
In 1886 the vote was nearly equal but in 1887 a decided majority 
favored it. Accordingly, by vote of the church John H. Brumbaugh 
and Elijah Rohrer were chosen first superintendents and the first 
session was held in April of that year. The members took hold of the 
work with becoming zeal, nurturing the infant enterprise and their 
efforts were crowned with marvelous success. Among the first 
teachers, were Andrew Gilliam and wife, pioneer advocates of Sunday 
school, John Flory, Milly Flory, John O. Warner, Mary Brumbaugh, 
David Flory, Hettie Pfeifer. Not long after, a school started at 
Georgetown and some years later at Arlington. In 1892 Benjamin F. 
Honeyman came here as a minister from Oakland Church. In 1893 
John H. Rinehart and Samuel Snell were called to the deacon's 
office. Robert J. Wolford, a deacon from West Virginia, located here in 
1894, [but now serves in Price's Creek Church. H. C. Butterbaugh 
came as a deacon from West Dayton in 1899. August 19, 1897, Samuel 



244 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Snell was called to the ministry and November 17, 1898 John W. 
Fidler was chosen. In August, 1900, Jesse K. Brumbaugh and John H. 
Brumbaugh were given the joint oversight of the church, and in 
November of that year William Minnich and Ezra Flory were elected 
deacons and Brother Flory was called to the ministry May 16, 1901. 
In August, 1901, William Bucklew was installed into the ministry but 
later returned to that position in the Old Order fold. Robert E. 
Burger came here as a minister from Illinois in March, 1902, and 
William Minnich was called to the ministry. In the spring of 1903 
A. W. Oren, a minister, came here from Tennessee and in the same 
year J. Homer Bright, from Wolf Creek. Geo. W. Teeter and Aaron 
Sollenberger were elected deacons April 2, 1903. In the next few 
years the following deacons located in this congregation : Geo. Petry, 
Henry Minnich from Pleasant Valley, John B. Deeter from Newton, 
Clark Yount from Middle District, John Karns from Lower Stillwater 
and Daniel H. Bucklew from West Virginia. 

S. A. Blessing, a minister from Bear Creek, located in West 
Milton in 1905. Enos E. Brumbaugh and Stanley Wenger were elected 
deacons in 1906 and March 26, 1907 Brother Wenger and Charles 
L. Flory were called to the ministry. In March, 1908, West Milton 
became a separate organization embracing ninety-two members in- 
cluding two ministers and three deacons. Elder Jesse K. Brumbaugh 
became housekeeper of the new organization and John H. Brumbaugh 
was retained in oversight of Salem. July 4, 1908, David K. Rinehart 
was elected deacon and in 1909 Elder Jonathan Hoover located here 
from Loramie Church. Soon after the death of Elder John H. Brum- 
baugh in 1910, William Minnich was called to preside for this con- 
gregation and A. H. Bucklew was elected minister and Frank Macy and 
Lloyd Brumbaugh, deacons. Enos E. Brumbaugh and John C. 

Brumbaugh were called to the ministry in 1911, and C. C. Sollen- 
berger in 1912. In 1911 J. Homer Bright and wife accepted the mis- 
sionary call to China, and Salem Church assumed the support of 
Sister Minnie Flory Bright. Aaron Stonerock, a deacon, located here 
and in 1914 N. W. Lutz, John Heckman and Frank S. Wenger were 
called to this office, and D. W. Kneisley moved here from West Dayton 
in 1916 and John Shellabarger from Ross Church in 1917. Joseph 
P. Robbins moved here from Price's Creek in 1918 and Charles L. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 245 

Flory from Pleasant Hill in 1919. Enos E. Brumbaugh was ordained 
to the eldership, August 23, 1919. 

For many years there was no permanent place of worship. In the 
summer time barns served the purpose and often the wider expanse 
of the forest was utilized. People came to these meetings for miles, 
going through primeval forests over "corduroy'' roads, often on foot, 
horseback or in farm wagons. The services were devout and reverent. 
The godly ministers of those days exhorted men and women every- 
where that with fervency of spirit they should cleave unto the Lord. 
They often found responsive hearts and the Lord added unto the 
church such as were being saved. Love feasts were held in barns. 
The last one held was on a farm now owned by Frank Puterbaugh in 
1853. In 1854 the site of the present Central House was selected 
as suitable for the erection of a house of worship. A building com- 
mittee consisting of Samuel Shellabarger, John Brumbaugh and John 
J. Warner, was selected. Michael Longanecker did the carpenter 
work. A one-story building of brick was erected. The first love 
feast was held in it October, 1854. In 1877 it was decided that ampler 
accomodations were needed. The building committee this time con- 
sisted of Samuel Brumbaugh, John John, Samuel K. dinger, Abraham 
Landis, Sr., and John Flory. Michael Longanecker was again called 
to do the building and the new commodious house was erected. Later 
changes have suited it to modern needs. In 1859 a deed was given 
for a building site in Georgetown or Potsdam, soon after, a church was 
built thereon. About 1875 this was superseded by a new one and in 
1917-18 this was remodeled, enlarged and equipped for the various 
meetings and activities of the congregation. In 1885-86 the present 
structure was erected at Arlington as the result of an interest fostered 
there through some meetings by Elder Landon West and others. 

As the close of a century of organized existence approached, a 
desire was manifested that this important event should have ap- 
propriate commemoration, accordingly, July 28, 1917, was set for a 
general Home Coming. A program was arranged, a large concourse 
of people assembled, and an impressive service conducted. The 
greetings of members and friends, the revival of sacred memories, 
the reminiscences by the older folks, the time honored hymns in both 
English and German, created a desire to press onward with greater 
zeal and if possible to emulate the consecrated efforts of the fathers. 



246 History of the Church of the Brethren 

This congregation now numbers 425 with five elders, two ministers 
and fourteen deacons. Its "Bethel" Sunday school averages 192. It 
has three church centers, including the joint houses, at Georgetown 
and Arlington with a Sunday school at each place. It has Christian 
Workers' Meetings, Sisters' Aid Society and live committees in charge 
of the Missionary and Temperance work. The Salem Church is a 
busy field of Christian endeavor. 



® ® as as as as as 

(2) 
Middle District 

THIS church, organized from part of Hickory Grove Church on 
the east and Salem Church on the west, lies in Miami and 
Montgomery counties between the Miami and Stillwater rivers. 
It includes the villages of Tippecanoe, Vandalia, Chambersburg, 
Ginghamsburg and Fidelity. August 12, 1876, the members met 
at Ginghamsburg for the purpose of organization. Elders present 
and assisting were : H. D. Davy, Samuel Mohler, Joseph Arnold, 
Abraham Detrick and John W. Sollenberger. The organization was 
completed with the two ministers, Samuel Coppock and Oliver F. 
Yount, and Eli Shearer the only deacon. H. D. Davy was chosen 
Presiding Elder. From its geographical location and the fact of its 
lying between the two consenting churches, Oliver Yount suggested 
the name Middle District, which was adopted. The new District com- 
prised sixty charter members among whom may be named Samuel 
Coppock and wife, Oliver F. Yount and wife, Eli Shearer and wife, 
Elizabeth Studebaker, Mary Martindale, Abraham Karn and wife and 
their daughter, Edna, Elmira Wells, Clark Yount and wife, David Sol- 
lenberger and wife, Wm. F. Neal and wife, Lucinda Neal, Matilda Neal, 
Henry Neal and wife, Jacob Etter, George Younce and wife and 
Michael Honeyman and wife. By the consent of the good people 
of Ginghamsburg, they were permitted to continue using the Old Union 
Church for preaching services every two weeks. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



247 



At a Council held April 21, 1877, Jacob Etter and D. P. Sollenber- 
ger were elected to the deacon's office and their Communion Meet- 
ing appointed which was held in the following May in Samuel Cop- 
pock's barn. On the day after this Communion, the members were call- 
ed into Council by Brethren Coppock and Yount to consider the neces- 
sity of building a house of worship. 

A committee on location and building was appointed consisting 
of Eli Shearer, Clark Yount, and Jacob Etter ; Clark Yount being 
treasurer. Almost enough money was subscribed at this meeting to 




Middle District Church. 



build the much longed-for church. The present location was soon 
selected, plans perfected and contract for building let to David Fet- 
ters of Tippecanoe City. John Smith, a personal admirer of the church, 
but not a member, owned the farm upon which the building site was 
located and cheerfully donated an acre of land for this purpose. Fred- 
erick Yount an old Friend Quaker gave the quarry stone. Brethren, 
friends and neighbors hauled the stone and dug out the basement. The 
building was completed in November and on December 2, 1877, it was 
dedicated unto the Lord. The new building (40x60) was filled to the 
utmost capacity to hear the thrilling words of dedication by Elder John 
Smith and George Garver of the Lower Stillwater Church. The dis- 
course was based on II Cor. 5:1, "We have a building of God." A 
regular preaching service was established for every second Lord's Day. 



248 History of the Church of the Brethren 

In the winter of 1877-78 Elder D. N. Workman of northeastern Ohio 
conducted the first series of meetings in the new church and twenty- 
two were baptized. 

April 6, 1878, O. F. Yount was advanced to the second degree of 
the ministry and Francis Neal was elected to the ministry ; the same 
year Clark Yount was elected to the deacon's office. In 1880 Noah 
Spitler was elected to the ministry ; he and Jacob Etter later withdrew 
from the church and became members of the Old Order Brethren. 
In 1881 Francis Neal moved from the District locating in Indiana; the 
same year Edward Venters and John Karns were elected to the 
deacon's office. Brother Venters died some years later from an acci- 
dent, and Brother Karns moved from the District. August 1, 1884, D. 
C. Hendrickson was elected to the ministry and Samuel Coppock and 
O. F. Yount were ordained to the eldership. 

Samuel Mohler had oversight of the church from 1877 to 1884 and 
George Garver served in this capacity until after the ordination of 
Samuel Coppock and O. F. Yount. About this time the church pur- 
chased what was known as the old Pfoutz meeting house east of West 
Milton and conducted regular preaching services there for a number of 
years. Later the interest there waned and the property was finally dis- 
posed of. There were about one hundred and twenty members at this 
time. D. C. Hendrickson was advanced to the second degree about 1890 
and ordained October 17, 1895. November 3, 1888, O. F. Yount died 
and his loss was keenly felt by this and surrounding churches. January 
19, 1895, David P. Sollenberger was elected, and in November, 1898 ad- 
vanced to the second degree of the ministry. Daniel W. Vaniman moved 
into this District as a deacon from Bear Creek Church and proved an ef- 
ficient worker. He moved in 1914 to Michigan. Clark Yount moved 
from the District to West Milton and Brother Vaniman was appointed 
treasurer and Ira Grisso was elected deacon. In 1901 Samuel Coppock 
died. John Kline was elected deacon in 1902 and in 1903 Joseph 
Karns was chosen to the same position. 

In 1908 D. C. Hendrickson moved from the District, resigning 
the oversight of the church, leaving D. P. Sollenberger as the only 
minister. About this time a sentiment prevailed to have the church re- 
modeled and supplied with more modern conveniences. This was suc- 
cessfully accomplished and a re-dedicating service held in December, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 249 

1908, conducted by Elder L. A. Bookwalter. March 11, 1909, Jacob 
Coppock of Hickory Grove was chosen elder of the congregation for 
three years. On the same date Jason Denlinger was elected deacon, 
moved to New Carlisle in 1913. It was also arranged to have preaching 
services every Sunday, assistance to be rendered by ministers of 
Hickory Grove Church. January 22, 1910, J. P. Miller and C. V. Cop- 
pock were elected to the ministry, and in March, 1911, forwarded to the 
second degree. S. A. Blessing followed Jacob Coppock as elder in 
charge and in 1917, J. P. Miller and C. V. Coppock were ordained and 
given the oversight jointly. This continued until December 11, 1919, 
when J. P. Miller was elected Presiding Elder. D P. Sollenberger died 
in 1915 and John Kline in 1918. Jesse Coy, a deacon, moved here in 1917 
and Charles Campbell, a deacon, in 1918. O. C. Sollenberger was called 
to the ministry September 19, 1918, and with his wife, Hazel Cop- 
pock, went in 1919 to the China Mission Field. Charles F. Roberts 
was elected to the deaconship, December 11, 1919. The church now 
enrolls ninety members and an average attendance of forty at Sunday 
school. Middle District's location, as its name indicates, is propitious. 



(3) 

West Milton 

THIS church embraces the village of West Milton and contiguous 
territory. Brethren from the Carolinas settled near a village 
called Nashville in whose early Presbyterian Church Elder 
Philip Younce preached every two weeks for long years, and 
when the Curtis Union Church was built, services were held 
there by the Brethren for years. Also services were held in the 
Pfoutz Church east of the town and also in the Methodist Church in 
West Milton. The territory all then belonged to the Brush Creek (Lud- 
low and Painter Creek) Church until 1869, when that part south of the 
Georgetown Pike and west of the village was transferred to Salem 



250 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 251 



Church. In 1876 that part east of the river was given to Middle Dis- 
trict. 

March 26, 1908, the West Milton Church was organized with Elder 
Jesse Stutsman, chairman and Daniel C. Hendrickson, secretary. Elder 
Jesse K. Brumbaugh was chosen as Presiding Elder for one year, S. L. 
Brumbaugh, secretary. S. A. Blessing was a minister in the second de- 
gree. Deacons were Clarke Yount, his wife, Catherine Yount (nee 
Metzger), John Karns, his wife, Mary Karns (nee Wells), Adam 
Pfeifer, his wife, Esther Pfeifer (nee Haines), John B. Deeter, his wife, 
Angie Deeter (nee Younce). September 17, 1908, S. A. Blessing was 
ordained and Lester Heisey was elected to the ministry and S. L. 
Brumbaugh, his wife, Delia Brumbaugh (nee Jenkinson), W. H. 
Gnagey, his wife, Jennie Gnagey (nee Brumbaugh), were elected to 
the deacon's office. In the spring of 1909 J. Q. Helman moved in and 
stayed one year. March 17, 1910, Russel Wenger was elected 
to the ministry. Russel Wenger was advanced and W. Jeremiah 
Heisey was elected to the ministry September 21, 1-911. Both soon 
left for college. Brother Heisey is now in the China Mission 
Field. June 19, 1913, Elder Johnathan Hoover came to this church. 
While preaching in this church, April 26, 1914, he was suddenly 
stricken and departed to be with the congregations above. Elder D. C. 
Hendrickson, who lived near the village, though holding his member- 
ship in Middle District where he was elected and ordained, held his 
membership here at a later date and then moved to the Ludlow Church. 
June 22, 1916, Enos Wenger was chosen to the deaconship. March 21, 
1919, Samuel B. Wenger was elected to the ministry and Joseph 
Dohner, his wife, Dora Dohner (nee Engle). to the deacon's office. 
Elder Granville Minnich moved here September 18, 1919. From De- 
cember 16, 1909, Elder Jesse K. Brumbaugh and S. A. Blessing were 
associate presiding elders until September 19, 1915, when Elder Brum- 
baugh, having asked to be relieved, Elder Blessing has since had 
charge alone. 

The church house at West Milton was built of brick as an auxiliary 
house of the Salem Church. The dedicatory sermon was preached in 
February, 1900, by Elder D. M. Garver. Though the building in dimen- 
sion was 38 by 56 feet, after the organization it was soon found too 
small. Accordingly an addition 30 by 40 feet was built in 1912. It was 
dedicated February 23, 1913, Elder J. W. Fidler in charge of the ser- 



252 History of the Church of the Brethren 

vices. This house has eight Sunday-school rooms and an Aid Society 
room, besides the main auditorium. A good basement is under the en- 
tire building, well equipped for every purpose. The first Sunday school 
here was organized in 1900, with Adam Pfeifer and Cyrus Petry, 
superintendents. The school has now an average attendance of 100. 
The church numbers 140 members and is awake to its responsibility. 



mmmmmmm 

lit eJ LseJ [vJ LzkJ LseJ CieJ KJeJ 

(4) 

Brush Creek (Ludlow and Painter Creek) 

THIS church was formed by Brethren from North Carolina, Ten- 
nessee and Kentucky in the second and third decades of the 
nineteenth century. They and their Quaker neighbors came 
from the land of slavery and settled along Stillwater and the two Brush 
Creeks that empty into Stillwater near West Milton. Others came from 
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia and the church grew by immigra- 
tion. It was first known as Brush Creek Church and as the Brethren 
settled further up the great Greenville road, Ludlow was added in 1835 
and Painter Creek in 1840. So it had rather a lengthy name and for 
convenience sake, and in conformity with the custom of those early 
days it was mostly called "Younce's Church" after its first elder, who 
wielded a strong spiritual influence over this church for many years. 
This church was organized sometime after Elder Philip Younce came, 
probably about the time of the organization of the Salem Church in 
1817. 

The Brush Creek part south of West Milton, to the west of the 
village and Georgetown pike and east of Stillwater was ceded to the 
Salem Church in 1869, then it lost its first part name and after 
1881 it was generally known as Ludlow until its division in 1914. Philip 
Younce, the first elder of this church was a North Carolinian, who 
emigrated to Ohio, settling near Nashville, east of West Milton between 
1813 and 1814. He was a minister before emigrating and seemed to be 



of the Southern District of Ohio 253 

filled with the missionary spirit much in advance of his day and genera- 
tion. 

He had his appointment once per month, at the various points in 
this territory and he had a special reputation for promptness in attend- 
ing to them. When his time came the congregation expected him regard- 
less of weather and roads. It is said that Philip Younce delivered the 
first sermon preached by the Brethren in the territory now occupied by 
the Pitsburg and Painter Creek churches. His manner seemed to have 
been "to look up and visit any locality where a few members had settled 
in the woods." The following is told by David Stauf fer, an eye-witness : 
"Elder Younce had regular appointments in the neighborhood where 
the Painter Creek house now stands. The incessant rains that spring had 
made the woods very bad, arid Painter Creek was out of its banks. On 
Saturday before Brother Younce's appointment on Sunday, Jacob 
Stauffer took his son. David, then a boy about ten years old, with him 
and went to the point of the crossing of Painter Creek, to warn Brother 
Younce that the creek was beyond the fording point. As they approach- 
ed the creek they soon discovered Brother Younce coming on his famous 
horse, 'Barney,' which had carried him safely over hundreds of miles 
through the swamp of mud and water in Ohio. As Brother Philip ap- 
proached the banks, Brother Stauffer with his strong voice sent the 
message across Painter Creek, 'the creek is past the point of fording.' 
Brother Younce returned the message, 'Barney is a good swimmer.' 
And the seeming dangerous trip was at once commenced. They had 
not gone far until Barney had to swim. With his strong limbs Barney 
made regular strokes, and with surprise he made almost a straight 
course through the rapid current to where Brother Stauffer and son, 
David, were standing. Brother Younce was clad with rubber leggins, 
and by drawing his limbs up closely, he did not get much wet, and 
these were soon dried by their big log fire. He preached the next day, 
after which he returned as he came." 

The meetings were held in the forests, homes and barns of 
the members, faithfully and regularly in all parts of this large territory, 
from Nashville, east of West Milton five miles, to Greenville. Elder 
Younce preached in the Presbyterian Church in Nashville every two 
weeks and at the other points as before stated. 

The first church house was a log cabin. It was built in 1849. 
There were at that time a great many young people, and being strong 



254 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 255 

they were able to foot a trip of some miles through the woods, and 
singing seems to have been their delight. Their log cabins were too 
small to accommodate the crowds at their singings as well as the preach- 
ing services. The young folks suggested the idea of erecting a log cabin 
for their singing. The old people mostly opposed the measure except 
Frederick StaufTer who encouraged the young people in their laudable 
enterprise. The young people with the courage of their convictions 
went on with their building project, and when the old people saw that 
the new building was going to be a success, they all joined the enter- 
prise and a house about 24 by 30 was erected, and became a place for 
preaching to the joy of all. This house stood one mile west of Painter 
Creek. In 1871 this was succeeded by a house one-half mile north of it, 
which was improved in 1885, and a new one built in 1906 and im- 
proved in 1914-15. 

The settlers mostly from the Carolinas in addition to Brother 
Younce's large family, were the Shearers, Knifes, Coates, Burketts, 
Pfoutzes, Honeymans, Knights, Gnodles, Burns, Spencers, etc. Those 
mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia were the Stauf- 
fers, Brandts. Finfrocks, Kinseys, Holsopples, Mishlers, Hollingers. 
The first meeting house in the Ludlow part was built of logs in 
1857, just north of where Pitsburg now is; the second, where the 
present one is, in 1870; the third in 1893, the present large house which 
was improved in 1917. In 1860, this church united with the Salem 
Church to build a meeting house in Georgetown. This was superseded 
in 1875 by a larger one, and this by a still larger and more modern 
one in 1917-1918. This church also built a house in 1898 at Red River 
which was improved in 1917. 

Elder Philip Younce w 7 as assisted in the ministry by his son, John, 
who was chosen in 1835 and moved to Indiana in 1841 becoming the 
first elder of the Mississinewa Church. David Mishler was chosen to 
the ministry in 1846, moved to Lower Twin 1848 and died in 1854. 
Abraham Younce was elected to the ministry December 27, 1845, 
clerked in a store in Nashville a number of years and then moved near 
Pleasant Hill with his father. Eli Swank and Henry Jones were chosen 
for the ministry here in 1852 and moved further into Darke County 
forests. Brother Jones spent a number of years in Illinois but returned 
to Darke County and took his departure from the Brethren Home to 
the Home above. Stephen Miller was another early minister here. 



256 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Henry Brookens was elected here. Frederick Stauffer was chosen 
to the ministry in 1859 and after an earnest service was early called 
home. Absalom Hyer was placed in the ministry and after an active 
service, was likewise summoned above. In 1864 Tobias Kreider was 
named for the ministry here and served faithfully for thirty-eight 
years. David Younce and Joshua Baker were ministers here. Younce 
soon moved to the Newton Church and Baker went with the Old 
Orders when that movement culminated. William Cassel came as a 
minister in 1863, and Jesse Stutsman in 1869, both from the Salem 
Church. They labored here together until the • Old Order division 
when Elder Cassel became prominent in that movement and remained 
on the scene for thirty-five years as one of their pillars. Elder Stuts- 
man still resides in this locality, zealous, though aged. John W. Fitz- 
gerald was another minister who moved into this church's territory. 
Fitzgerald came in 1877, but in 1880 moved to the Bear Creek Church. 
His wife's name was Bond, a sister of the deacon, Joseph Bond, who 
came with him. Joseph Groff, a deacon, was elected in the seventies 
and moved to North Star Church. In 1881 Silas Gilbert was chosen 
for the ministry, served here and afterwards moved to the Union 
City Church. 

After the leaving of Elder Younce the church had no elder 
until the ordination of William Cassel, his wife, Lucinda Cassel (nee 
Coffman), in 1865, who had the oversight until 1881, when he with- 
drew with the Old Orders as one of their leaders. Then Tobias 
Kreider was ordained in February, 1882, and had control until his 
death in 1902, being ably assisted by Elder Jesse Stutsman, who was 
placed in the Presiding Eldership a few weeks after Elder Kreider's 
death. These elders worked very harmoniously together and had 
councils of the quietest type, which were well attended. Lydi'a Wel- 
baum Kreider, and Martha Heisey Stutsman were their companions 
and faithful helpers, and mothers of large families. Jacob R. Brum- 
baugh, his wife, Mary Brumbaugh (nee Erbaugh), was chosen to the 
ministry in 1883, and Elihu Bagwell, his wife, Mary E. Bagwell (nee 
Niswonger), in 1891. Bagwell soon moved to Beaver Creek Church. 
Charles Culp, his wife, Lottie Culp (nee Gilbert), was called to the 
ministry in 1892, and Joseph Landis, his wife, Anna Landis (nee 
Weimer), in 1897. Brother Landis had served in the ministry with 
the Landisites and spoke German and English fluently. About this 



of the Southern District of Ohio 257 

time Elder David Hollinger spent some years in this congregation. 
Granville Minnich, S. Z. Smith and D. B. Miller were elected to the 
ministry in 1897, and August 25, 1904, Brother Miller was ordained, 
shortly moving to Colorado, where he is succeeding in the work- Pie 
is a grand nephew of Elder John Metzger. Lawrence Kreider, his 
wife, Mina Kreider (nee Shafer), was elected in 1901 and ordained 
in 1910. He is proving quite capable in the service. Newton Binkley, 
his wife, Dora Binkley (nee Brill), was elected in 1902 and ordained in 
1910. He gives much earnest service to the church. William 
Royer, his wife, Ida Royer (nee Eikenberry), was called in 1903, 
ordained in 1911. He proves very useful in his work. R. Nico- 
demus, his wife, Nancy Nicodemus (nee Swartzbaugh), was elected in 
1904. He spent some time serving the churches in the Southern Ohio 
Mission Field and became a student and teacher in Bethany. Willis 
Kreider, his wife, Pearl Kreider (nee Besecker), a brother to Lawrence 
was called in 1908. Elder Daniel Hendrickson moved here in 1908 
and died in 1917. Charles Hylton, a minister, came in 1911. Philip 
Cool served in the ministry here about 1913. Some of the ministers 
of this church previous to their call, served as deacons. In addition 
the following served in the deaconship : Joseph Gnodle, his wives, 
Elizabeth, Mary and Rebecca Gnodle (nee Studebaker, Spitler and 
Wean), Eli Shearer, his wife, Rebecca Shearer (nee Kinsey), Jacob 
Kreider, Henry Spitler, Jacob Swinger, his wife, Anna M. Swinger 
(nee Stager), Samuel Bilheimer his wife, Llettia Bilheimer (nee 
Warner), Benjamin Longanecker, his wife, Magdalena Longanecker 
(nee Welbaum), John Niswonger, his wife, Susan Niswonger (nee 
Warner), Elias Stauffer, his wife, Anna Stauffer (nee Hollinger), 
John Swinger, his wife, Margaret Swinger (nee Stauffer), Isaac Cool, 
his wives, Harriet and Malinda Cool (nee Kinsey and Hinegardener), 
Abraham Minnich, his wife, Elizabeth Minnich (nee Swinger), Jacob 
Eikenberry, his wife, Mary Eikenberry (nee Peters), David Swinger, 
his wife, Louvena Swinger (nee Richardson), David Niswonger, his 
wife, Anna Niswonger (nee Pefly), Abraham Young, his wife, Minerva 
Young (nee Landis), John Neher, his wife, Sarah Neher (nee Shella- 
berger). LI. G. Bright, his wives, Aldelba and Bettie Bright (nee Klep- 
inger and Martin), Owen Eikenberry, his wife, Susan Eikenberry (nee 
Kreider), Joseph Ruble, his wife, Mary Ruble (nee Ditmer), Silas 
Delk, his wife, Ella Delk (nee Miller), John Fourman, his wife, Emma 



258 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 259 

Fourman (nee Niswonger), Frank Booker, his wife, Isabel Booker 
(nee Newcomer). 

The church multiplied until it numbered over four hundred in 
the late 70's and it continued to increase until it was divided into 
two congregations. Meetings were conducted every two weeks at each 
preaching point until Sunday schools were well established when they 
were held each Sunday. The remarkable meeting in which the Old 
Order Brethren decided to withdraw, was held in Pitsburg house, 
August 24, 1881. The Annual Conference of 1886 was held near 
Pitsburg. At a meeting held at Pitsburg January 20, 1914, it was 
decided to divide the territory of this prosperous church into* two 
congregations. Provisions were made for church lines and after a 
full understanding in which the southern part agreed to pay one 
thousand dollars to the northern part to equalize the value of the 
church property, the two new organizations, Ludlow (Pitsburg) and 
Painter Creek began their separate existence. 



( JgJ l3£j L3&J LseJ CieJ LaeJ (ieJ 

(5) 
Ludlow (Pitsburg) 

THIS church was organized February 21, 1914. Elder Jesse Stuts- 
man was chairman and J. W. Eikenberry, secretary. Elders 
present were J. H. Christian, William Minnich, Lawrence 
Kreider and William Royer. The church was named Pitsburg, but in 
the fall of 1916, the name was changed to Ludlow. This was confirm- 
ed by the District Meeting of 1917. The following officials were then 
found living within the bounds of this church : Elders Jesse Stutsman, 
Newton Binkley and Daniel Hendrickson ; Jacob R. Brumbaugh and 
Charles Hylton, ministers ; Elias Stauf fer, Jacob Eikenberry, Joseph 
Ruble, Hamilton G. Bright, S. E. Delk and Frank Booker, deacons. 
The new organization elected Newton Binkley as their Presiding Elder, 
in which capacity he continued to serve until his resignation in 1919, 
since when S. A. Blessing has had charge. William Davis and Edward 



260 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 261 

Rinehart, his wife, Jennie Rinehart (nee Flory), deacons, came in 1915 
but soon moved from the congregation. Elder John Calvin Bright 
moved here in 1916 and was living here at the time of his death. 
Jason Denlinger, his wife, Catherine Denlinger (nee Eikenberry), a 
deacon, came in 1917. On June 19, 1915, J. W. Eikenberry, his wife 
Susie Eikenberry (nee Bookwalter), and A. J. Johnson were elected 
deacons. Herschel M. Jobes and J. Daniel Bright were named 
for the ministry, June 22, 1918. Both are young men of ability. 
Edward Miller and J. W. Rodgers were added to the ministerial force 
by their moving here in 1918 and 1919 respectively. They have two 
houses of worship, one at Pitsburg and the other at Georgetown. The 
latter belongs in part to the Salem Church. The Sunday school at Pits- 
burg averages 100, and the Ludlow Church numbers 225 members. The 
future is auspicious. 



mmmmm 



(6) 

Painter Creek 

THE Painter Creek Church, a part of the old Ludlow and Painter 
Creek churches, was organized and named, February 7, 1914. 
Elders Jesse Stutsman and D. H. Keller were the chair- 
men of the meeting. J. W. Eikenberry acted as secretary. David 
Hollinger, J. H. Christian and Newton Binkley were the 
other elders present. Elder William Royer was chosen as the Pre- 
siding Elder and has been continued until the last election when Elder 
Lawrence Kreider was associated with him. Edward Miller was elected 
secretary. Willis Kreider, a minister, also lived in this territory. The 
deacons were John Swinger, David Swinger, Abraham Minnich, Owen 
Eikenberry and John Fourman. June 4, 1914 Edward Miller was called 
to the ministry, and H. C. Groff, his wife, Eva Groff (nee Fox), Han- 
ford Honeyman, his wife, Josephine Honeyman (nee La Blond), D. 
F. Eikenberry, his wife, Jennie Eikenberry (nee Christian), 
were elected to the deaconship. In 1915 R. A. Saylor, a minister moved 



262 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





W. J. Heisey and Wife. 

He was a former minister in the West Milton Church but is now, with his 

wife, in the China Mission. 





Dr. O. G. Brubaker and Wife. 

Dr. Brubaker, who with his wife is also working in the China Mission, is 

supported by the Painter Creek Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 263 

here. June 3, 1916, Galen R. Royer was elected to the ministry. The 
same year William Davis, a deacon, moved here. In 1917 Edward Mil- 
ler moved to Bradford and Galen B. Royer to Indiana. August 17, 
1918, Albert Smith was called to the ministry and Lawrence Four- 
man, his wife, Nettie Fourman (nee North), to the deacon's office. 
Charles Forrer, his wife, Elizabeth Forrer (nee Neff), also serves 
there in this capacity. This church is the home of Levi Minnich who 
has served the Brotherhood so long and well on the General Sunday- 
school committee. 

This church has 203 members and two church houses ; one called 
the Painter Creek house, one mile northwest of the village of the same 
name and the other the Red River house, four miles northeast. The 
average attendance at Sunday school at the first point is 107 and at the 
latter seventy-two. Theirs is a good land with a soil of exhaustless fer- 
tility. This church supports Dr. O. G. Brubaker as a missionary in 
China and is alive to every good work. 



mmmmmmm 



CHAPTER VIII. 



The Greenville Creek Group 



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Union City Church. (Country House.) 



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Introduction 



THESE churches are in the western part of Darke and Mercer 
counties, Ohio, and Randolph and Jay counties, Indiana. They 
were located near Greenville Creek, and so the first church 
organized in this territory was called Greenville Creek Church. From 
this church have emanated the Union City, Poplar Grove, Pleasant 
Valley, and the Bear Creek Church, Indiana. From this territory 
we also have the Palestine Church from which the Beech Grove 
Church was organized. The Greenville city church, also, naturally 
as well as by lineage belongs here. Before the pioneer came all was 
woods and swamp. Nature reigned in unbroken solitude, save the 
song of birds, the graceful flight of deer, the mighty howl of wolves 
and the unearthly screech of the American panther. There was an 
abundance of game, deer and wild turkey, springs and streams and 
fertile soil. The latter soon echoed far and wide with the tread of 
explorers among whom came the Brethren, becoming the first set- 
tlers in the second, third and later decades of the nineteenth century. 
They settled in different parts of the territory, notably at Pales- 
tine and Union City points and without any definite organization for 
some years. The Brethren from Nettle Creek, Indiana, and from the 
Stillwater and Central Groups, visited them and gave them much de- 
sired ministerial help. Among these might be mentioned David 
Miller and Benjamin Bowman from Indiana, and Philip Younce, 
Michael Etter, John Weaver, Emanuel Flory, and John Cable from 
the Miami Valley. Centers were early formed at Union City, Hill- 
grove, and Palestine. Churches were organized and rapid growth and 
great prosperity followed. The churches of this group will be noticed 
in this order: Union City (Greenville Creek), Pleasant Valley, 
Poplar Grove, Greenville, Palestine and Beech Grove. 



268 History of the Church of the Brethren 



a) 

Union City (Greenville Creek) 

THIS church at the first, embraced the western part of Darke and 
Mercer counties, Ohio, and the eastern part of Randolph and 
Jay counties, Indiana. The first members settled near where 
Union City now is, on the Ohio side. 

William K. Marquis, Sr., born January 6, 1795, of French 
parentage, came to Ohio from West Virginia in 1817, settling in Ross 
County, Ohio. He went back to Virginia to be baptized by Samuel 
Arnold. He probably took this long journey for two reasons ; first, 
because this minister had performed the marriage ceremony which 
bound him to Polly Stingley, September 8, 1816, ere they had left the 
state the first time ; secondly, because preachers of the Church of 
the Brethren were not then very numerous. Returning to Ross 
County, he soon emigrated to Darke County. Ohio, settling in 1821 
near Union City. He died November 9, 1857. The Crumrines, 
Zumbruns, Roes, Roots, Simmons, Blochers, Harts, Dales, Royers, 
Deeters, Kunkles, etc., followed, and an organization was effected by 
electing William K. Marquis, Sr., to the ministry in 1833. John 
Crumrine was probably the first minister in the church. He was born 
in Virginia, January 15, 1799, joined the Church of the Brethren in 
1824, and is thought by some to have been put to the ministry in 1825, 
though it might not have been until the election of Brother Marquis, 
Sr., at which election John Zumbrun and Frederick Roe were elected 
deacons. Brother Crumrine assisted in 1838 in starting the work on 
the Mississinewa, but did not move to Indiana until sometime between 
1852 and 1857 and became the first elder of the Wabash Church. 

The church was first known as Greenville Creek, because the 
stream of that name was the most prominent in that locality. It re- 
tained this name for thirty-five years ; however, it was not fully 
organized until September, 1851. It was then organized with 



of the Southern District of Ohio 269 

seventy-three scattered charter members mostly on the Ohio side, 
whose names follow : John Crumrine and wife, Polly, W. K. Marquis 
and wife, Polly, Fredrick Roe and wife, John Zumbrun and wife, 
George W. Marquis and wife, Sally, Hezekiah Conway and wife, 
Abraham Root and wife, John Root (wife dead), Aaron Simmons 
and wife, Rebecca, John Knife and wife, Polly, Enoch Maugan, 
Samuel Blocher and wife, Catherine, David Blocher and wife, Moses 
Crumrine and wife, Peter Weimer and wife, Jacob Emrick and wife, 
Joseph Hart and wife, Magdalene, Jacob Dale and wife, Adam Dale 
and wife, Christian Dale and wife, Paul Dale and wife, George Royer 
and wife, Brother Deeter and wife, Brother Harter and wife, Sister 
Sawyer, Brother Mishler and wife, Jacob Kunkle and wife, Magda- 
lene, Abraham Motts and wife, Sister Jackson, John Browse and wife, 
Eli Noffsinger and wife, Mary, Lizzie Noffsinger, Sallie Lorton* 
Abraham Banta and wife, Jacob Root and wife, Daniel Flory and 
wife, Israel Worts and wife, Joel Root and wife, Joseph Hay and 
wife. 

This church was under the guidance of Elders Emanuel Flory, 
Joseph Risser, Jacob Miller and David Harter until the ordination of 
Thomas B. Wenrick with his wife, Catherine Wenrick (nee Hardman), 
in 1865, who then took charge. Elder Wenrick was the first resident 
elder of the church He came from Harris Creek about 1847, was elected 
to the ministry in 1854 and died November 20, 1884. He had taught 
school for a number of years and was a model elder. He gave much 
of his time and means to the church, though through it all the Lord 
prospered him. William K. Marquis, Jr., was elected June 1, 1861, 
and moved to Quinter, Kansas in 1890, where he died of pneumonia 
March 25, the following year. He was an eloquent speaker, holding 
his hearers in rapt attention for hours at a time. William K. Sim- 
mons, a nephew of this Marquis, and a grandson of the senior Mar- 
quis, was elected to the ministry September 4, 1867, and ordained to 
the eldership in the 80's, and has been an indefatigable worker of the 
church all these years. After Elder Wenrick's death in 1884, the 
elders in adjoining churches assisted. Elder Simmons then presided 
over the church from November 17, 1887, to December 19, 1912, also 
over two of the churches, Bear Creek and Pleasant Valley, which 
sprang from this body, for a number of years. Since Elder Simmons' 



270 History of the Church of the Brethren 

resignation as elder in charge of the Union City Church, B. F. Sharp 
has been the Presiding Elder up to the present. 

Stephen Miller moved here about 1858 and labored in the minis- 
try a few years, then moved away. George Petry moved in from Mis- 
souri about 1860. He was a fluent preacher in the German language 
but could not preach much in English. He died in the early 70's. 
Eli Dickey was elected in the early 60's, and was an interesting 
speaker, but after some years of service moved to the Oakland Church. 
Josiah Coppess was elected in the 60's, but soon died, probably in 
the Oakland Church. In 1871 Samuel Puterbaugh was elected to 
the ministry, and in 1877 Benjamin Bowman with his wife, Mary Bow- 
man (nee Neff), were called to the ministry but later went with the 
Old Orders. January 20, 1882, Joseph Longanecker was elected to the 
ministry, labored earnestly a few years, then moved to Price's Creek 
Church. Henry Cook with his wife, Catherine Cook (nee Creviston), 
was called to the ministry April 21, 1883. He was taken to his heavenly 
home in 1894. M. D. Roberts was elected a minister in 1883, but finally 
severed his connections with the church. Samuel Blocher whose wife 
was Catherine Glunt, became a minister in 1885, and later united with 
the Poplar Grove Church. Silas Gilbert moved here in 1889, and was 
eloquent and zealous. A. C. Young, his wife, Minerva Young (nee 
Landis), and his second wife, Melissa Young (nee Pully), was elected 
a minister in 1888. The two latter united with Pleasant Valley 
Church. Ezra Noff singer, his wife, Dora Noff singer (nee Isenhour), 
and his second wife, Amanda Noffsinger (nee Brumbaugh), was 
elected a deacon in 1889, a minister in 1894, and ordained in 1906. 
Amos Cook was next elected minister in this church. He moved to Pop- 
lar Grove Church and back again. He has since died. George M. Lanter, 
his wife, Saloma Lanter (nee Noffsinger), came from Paulding County, 
Ohio, in 1892 and died in 1913. William P. Noffsinger, his wife, Dora 
Noffsinger (nee Simons), and William Netzly, his wife, Lula Netzly 
(nee Jackson), were elected to the ministry in 1906. Oliver Royer 
moved here in 1912, and out two years later. Melvin Rensberger also 
lived here a short time. W. E. McFarland, his wife, Pearl McFarland 
(nee Onkst), was called to the ministry June 19, 1915. Arthur Dodge 
was elected to the ministry, September 26, 1919. • 

The first deacons in 1833 were Frederick Roe and John Zumbrun. 
Then a number of deacons served in that capacity. Also the follow- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 271 

ing: Aaron Simmons, his wife, Rebecca Simmons (nee Marquis), John 
M. Simmons, his wife, Hannah Simmons (nee Hoke), David Flory, 
Henry Kunkle, his wife, Catherine Kunkle (nee Hany), Rudolph 
Haines, his wife, Sophia Haines (nee Kuns), Frank Hart, his wife, 
Mary Hart (nee Petry), Henry Cook, Joel Zumbrun, his wife, Mary 
Zumbrun (nee Strock), David Royer, his wife, Barbara Royer (nee 
Wise), Daniel Wagner, his wife, Catherine Wagner (nee Baker, 
Albert Boocher, John Hay, his wife, Rebecca Hay (nee Friend), 
George Netzly, his wife, Adda Netzly (nee Brooks), James Onkst, his 
wife, Susan Onkst (nee Kunkle), E. M. Scholl, his wife, Susan Scholl 
(nee Hart), Solomon Bolinger, his wife, Malinda Bolinger (nee 
Royer), and George Weimer who was the last deacon elected which 
event occurred September 26, 1919. 

After holding their meetings for more than thirty-five years in 
the forest, barns, private dwellings, and later, the school houses which 
now began to dot the surrounding country, the members of the Green- 
ville Creek Church decided to do differently. On December 25, 
1868, a very cold Christmas day, a very important council meeting was 
held at the home of Joseph Glunt. This meeting was a great forward 
movement looking to the construction of a church house in the forest 
on the Indiana side of the State line, one and one half miles north 
of Union City. As the proposed location was entirely away from 
Greenville Creek, the thought of changing the church name suggested 
itself. After some discussion, it was unanimously agreed to change 
the long revered name of Greenville Creek Church to the more ap- 
propriate one, the Union City Church. At this meeting the first trus- 
tees elected were Michael Deeter, David Flory and Aaron Sim- 
mons. They met January 9, 1869, and measured off the four acres 
of land, which lay in the thick timber given by Joel Noffsinger, upon 
which the church was to be erected and a cemetery located. 

On January 14, 1869, the deed was made in Union City. Be- 
tween the 15th and 18th of January, 1869, William K. Simmons and 
John Lorton cut a lot of sawlogs to provide the lumber for the brick 
house which was soon to be erected. The first tree cut, was a very 
large gray ash near the spot where the church house now stands. 
Brother Simmons struck the first blow with his ax and the tree was 
soon felled. Sawing timber down on the stump was at that time 
an unthought of act. The logs were then sawed and the lumber 



272 History of the Church of the Brethren 

stacked to season. Jacob Heckman burned the brick needed during 
the summer of 1869. Thomas B. Wenrick was a member of the 
building committee, giving more of his time and money to the proj- 
ect than any other single individual. It will be noticed that the 
preachers of those days, in building church houses, helped not only 
with their pocketbook and voice but especially with their hands. The 
church house was built during the summer of 1870 and was dedicated 
and the first love feast held in it in October of the same year. The 
second church house was built in the southeastern part of the ter- 
ritory in 1878. The building committee was Jacob Merrick, John 
Flory and Daniel Wagner. 

In 1875, the first local congregation was organized from Union 
City territory, and named Bear Creek Church, Portland, Indiana. 
This was in Jay County, Indiana, and included some members in 
Adams County, with Daniel Waltz, a minister, who was later advanced 
to the eldership and served a brief term and went to his reward. 
Henry P. Garber served with Elder Waltz in the ministry. Brother 
Garber died in 1901. Eli Renner was also a contemporary minister. 

A second division of the Union City Territory was made April 22, 
1891, and was called the Pleasant Valley Church. This territory in- 
cluded two meeting places, one a new church house, the other an 
abandoned good brick school house. This latter house was known 
as the Jordan House. Since then a nice little church house with 
basement, has been built. The Pleasant Valley Church is north of 
the Union City Church. Part of its members live in Darke County, 
Ohio, and part in Randolph County. Indiana, with a few members 
in the southwest corner of Mercer County, Ohio. (See history of 
Pleasant Valley Church.) 

At a council meeting held October 13, 1903, a third division of 
Union City Church territory was made by cutting off a strip on the 
south in both Darke County, Ohio, and Randolph County, Indiana. 
This territory was organized into a new church November 14, 1903. 
(For further particulars see history of Poplar Grove Church.) 

The first Sunday school in the Union City congregation was 
organized April 15, 1888, with Elam Forror, superintendent, and 
David Rover, assistant. 

In 1911, the church began a Sunday school in Union City. This 
was soon followed by preaching services. A house and lot was pur- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



273 



chased in the city in 1911, and in the summer of 1917, a commodious, 
artistic, well arranged church house with Sunday-school rooms, was 
built costing about $8,000. This beautiful house was dedicated to the 
Lord on its completion in 1918, George W. Flory and D. M. Garver 
having charge of the services. William P. Nof fsinger has the overseeing 
of the services at this house. Services also continue to be held at the 
country house. The Union City congregation now numbers one 




Union City Church. (City House.) 

hundred and thirty-one members. To recapitulate, what was once 
the territory in 1869, of the Union City Church now,- fifty years later, 
contains seven church houses and four distinct church organizations, 
Union City, Portland, Pleasant Valley and Poplar Grove. If the work 
in this territory quadruples as much in the next fifty years, great 
things for God will be accomplished. 



274 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



mm 



(2) 

Pleasant Valley 

THIS was a part of the Union City Church until April 22, 1891, 
when it was organized into a district of its own with Elder W. 
K. Simmons in charge. A. C. Young was a minister in the 
first degree, and Harvey Mote and Joel Zumbrun deacons with Silas 
Gilbert an able minister in the second degree. 





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Valley Church. (Pleasant Valley.) 



On the same date A. C. Young was advanced to the second de- 
gree, B. F. Sharp was elected a minister, and D. E. Clark and 
David Minnich were chosen deacons. The Pleasant Valley house 
was built in 1888 a frame structure 38x58 and valued then at $1,500. 
On July 1, 1893, B. F. Sharp was advanced to the second degree and 
J. Q. Helman elected to the ministry, and Jesner Brewer chosen to 



of the Southern District of Ohio 275 

the deacon's office. On October 22, 1895, Harvey Mote was elected 
to the ministry and advanced December 12, 1896. On March 13, 
1897, C. E. Mikesell was elected to the ministry but did not accept until 
June 2, 1897, and later on June 10. 1899, at his request was relieved, 
and David Minnich was elected to the ministry. September 30, 1899, 
Jacob Olwine and Herbert Mikesell were chosen deacons. June 16, 
1900, Harvey Mote was ordained to the eldership. 

The Jordan church house (the first, a school house remodeled in 
1883) was built in 1900 and was 36x54 and valued at $2,000. W. K. 
Simmons was elder in charge from the organization until December 
14, 1901, when Harvey Mote was elected in his place, and S. Z. 
Smith and David Minnich were advanced to the second degree of the 
ministry. In 1903 Harvey Mote, S. Z. Smith, D. J. Wampler and 
David Minnich were the ministers. 

In September, 1906, P. N. Cool and C. C. Miller were elected to 
the ministry and W. K. Sell and A. J. Minnich, deacons. May 13, 
1909, Harvey Mote resigned as elder in charge and S. W. Blocher was 
chosen for one year. P. N. Cool was advanced to second degree of 
ministry and David Minnich ordained elder. 

On October 8, 1910, S. W. Blocher was re-elected elder in charge. 
Walter Clark was chosen to the ministry but was never installed. In 
December, 1911, the church attempted to centralize and have but one 
house of worship but failed. On March 14, 1914, B. F. Sharp suc- 
ceeded S. W. Blocher as elder in charge. On March 13, 1915, J. G. 
Rarick was employed as pastor for one year, also was chosen as Pre- 
siding Elder. On September 10, 1915 W. E. Weaver and W. K. 
Sell were elected to the ministry. Brother Weaver declined to be 
installed. Wesley Keltner and Virgil Wilt were chosen deacons, and 
J. G. Rarick resigned as pastor, David Minnich acting as elder for 
six months. December 11, 1915, W. K. Sell was installed as minis- 
ter, and on March 10, 1916, B. F. Sharp was elected as elder for one 
year, and continues to the present. Harvey Mote passed to his re- 
ward in 1909. Silas Gilbert was active in the ministry from 1889 
to 1895. F. J. Weimer lived here four years and moved away but has 
again located in the district. A. C. Young suggested the name of 
"Pleasant Valley" for this church. 

M. D. Roberts, elected 1883, caused a division in this part of the 
church before it was separated from the Union City Church. He as- 



276 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



sumed more authority than had been given him, and he withdrew and 
started a church of his own and called it the Nazarene Dunkards. 
Some eight went with him but most of them came back into the church. 

An interesting debate was held in the Pleasant Valley house with 
a Christian preacher in the eighties. L. T. Holsinger ably defended 
the cause. The church has now a membership of seventy-eight. Roland 
F. Flory, who, with his wife, Goldie Flory (nee Kreider), is serving as 
pastor since October, 1918. 

They have a goodly land, two meeting houses, four ministers, four 
deacons, and a hopeful outlook. 




Jordan Church. (Pleasant Valley.) 



of the Southern District of Ohio 277 



(3) 

Poplar Grove 

THE Poplar Grove Church occupies territory that has been trod by 
members ever since the first settlement of the country when its 
forests were dens and its roads mere trails through the woods. 
In the face of these difficulties, preaching services had been held all 
over its territory, seven miles north and south, and more than ten 
miles east and west. The love feasts in this territory were held in 
the homes of members prior to the building of the church house, and 
alternated somewhat irregularly with the more northern portion of the 
Union City Church of which it was a part. In 1862 while the love- 
feast services were being held at the home of Samuel Blocher, Sr., 
some one took the fruit of the vine and other parts of the sacred in- 
stitution and foiled the observance of the communion. Joseph Ris- 
ser preached a masterful sermon instead. 

The Poplar Grove Church became a separate organization from 
the Union City Church, November 14, 1903. It is said to have had 
ninety-nine charter members, thought only ninety-seven names were 
found on the record. Two ministers and three deacons constituted 
the official board. The following elders were present at the organi- 
zation : W. K. Simmons, David Hollinger, A. C. Snowberger, and 
Abraham Brumbaugh. Samuel W. Blocher, Jr., was given charge of 
the church. He was in the second degree of the ministry. James 
Q. Helman was his assistant. The deacons were David Royer 
with his wife, Barbara Royer (nee Wise), Daniel Wagner with his 
wife, Catherine Wagner (nee Baker), and Solomon Bolinger with his 
wife, Malinda Bolinger (nee Royer). It already had a well planned and 
recently built church house. 

In the building of this present commodious church house in 1898 
the financing and managing fell largely upon S. W. Blocher and D. 
J. Wagner, a senior deacon, and a few others. Catherine Blocher 
raised the money to purchase the poplar trees which surround the 



27S 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




o 

a. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 279 

church house. From this grove of poplars the church takes its name. 
The work of building began in April and was completed in November. 
Isaac Frantz preached the dedicatory sermon. 

The church has but this one house of worship, located on the Ohio 
Electric Railroad, one mile southeast of Hillgrove. Having good 
transportation facilities, and being one of the larger houses of the 
District it is frequently used for our District, Ministerial, Educational, 
and Sunday-school Meetings. 

The following is a record of the changes in the official board. 
Ira G. Blocher was elected to the ministry, March 5, 1904, and at the 
same time Abram Weimer and Jesse Bowman with his wife, Meda 
Bowman (nee Erbaugh), to the deacon's office. Jacob Noffsinger with 
his wife, Elizabeth Noffsinger (nee Wagner), Samuel Bolinger with 
his wife, Cora Bolinger (nee Longanecker), and Hugh M. Blocher with 
his wife, Ollie Blocher (nee Wagner), were elected deacons May 
31, 1905. Daniel Bailsman was received here as a deacon, Octo- 
ber 6, 1906. Other deacons who have moved here from other congrega- 
tions are J. R. Halladay and Emanuel Hollinger. Of the corps of dea- 
cons, D. J. Wagner, Abram Weimer, and Jesse Bowman, have passed 
to their reward, the first in 1909, the second in 1914, and the latter in 
1918. 

B. F. Sharp, a minister, came in March, 1907. J. O. Helman 
moved out October 10, 1907, and back again December 4, 1909. 
B. F. Sharp was ordained an elder, June 18, 1910. Charles Stockdale 
was elected to the ministry December 3, 1910, and in 1914 moved to 
Long Lake Church in Michigan. He returned to Ohio in 1915. I. 
G. Blocher moved to Zion Church, Michigan, in 1911, and returned 
to this church at the beginning of 1914. J. Q. Helman was ordained 
September 4, 1915, and moved out March 3, 1917. In 1914 F. J. 
Weimer who had spent his boyhood days in this church, returned to 
the scene of his youthful activity. Elder Weimer moved out again 
December 2, 1916. Elder H. C. Longanecker moved in on same date. 
On the same day, Samuel W. Blocher resigned the charge of the 
church and B. F. Sharp was given the oversight. He continued to 
preside over the church until January 11, 1919, when Noah Erbaugh 
who came in the fall of 1918, was elected the Presiding Elder. Elder 
Erbaugh moved out in December, 1919, and Elder Sharp was then 
given charge. Paul W. Halladay was installed in the ministry here 
October 3, 1919. 



280 History of the Church of the Brethren 



The Sunday school has an average attendance of ninety-seven and 
the church now* numbers 170 members, who are awake to the interests 
of the cause in all its phases. 



mm^mmmm 



(4) 

Greenville 

GREENVILLE is the county seat of Darke County. Several years 
prior to 1884, a few members had lived in the city. In 
that year in November, Landon West held a meeting in 
the old Reformed Church on Sycamore Street, but without any 
immediate results. As the city then lay within the limits of the Pales- 
tine territory, a school house adjacent to the city limits was a 
place of regular services for a number of years. After Elder West's 
meeting in the Reformed Church, the efforts ceased for a little while. 
The brethren however kept moving into the city, among whom was 
Henry Beck and wife and sister Murphy and her . daughter, Laura, 
who is now sister Dr. Cottrell of the Mission in India. Services 
were now called for in the city, for which purpose, A. Hardman on 
Central Avenue opened his house. Henry Baker held regular ser- 
vices here until brother Hardman's death which occurred in 1899. 

In the meantime the Mission Board had been asked to take charge 
of the field and in September of that year, accepted the city as a mis- 
sion point. It comprised the territory one mile each way from the 
city hall. This included a small portion of the territory of Poplar 
Grove, Oakland, and Ludlow congregations, as they had formerly 
come up to the city limits. Regular services were now held in the 
city hall under the control of the Mission Board. The need of a 
house for worship was soon evident to all, so the project received en- 
couragement. As there was much desire for a Sunday school, this 
want was met by organizing one and holding it in private homes. The 
Mission Board in the meantime prevailed on Elder David Hol- 
linger and wife to take charge of the mission. They moved into 



of the Southern District of Ohio 281 

the city in August, 1900. As funds had been secured and contract 
let, the new church house on Central Avenue was soon in process of 
erection. It was completed and dedicated on January 20, 1901. It 
proved to be a gladsome day for the faithful little mission band as 
they came to worship for the first time in their new substantial brick 
church house. Their number was now about twenty. 

David Hollinger who had charge of the work under the direc- 
tion of the Mission Board now put forth added efforts and the little 
congregation began to thrive. The beautiful city with its new church 
structure indicative of permanency, became to other members a more 
desirable place in which to locate. Elder Abraham Brumbaugh 
moved here from the Oakland Church in March of 1902 and still re- 
mains an aged pillar in the church. Warren Shock, a minister came 
from Indiana early in the same year but left in May of 1903. Wil- 
liam Ardinger, a deacon, came in November, 1905, and moved away 
May, 1913. The growth of the congregation continued not only by 
immigration but by baptism as well. The Sunday school was well 
supported. Accordingly, January 16, 1906, the Mission Board met 
and organized them into a working body, placing them on their own 
resources. 

The newly organized church at this meeting selected David Hol- 
linger as their elder. Henry Beck was their only deacon. That 
same year the church called F. J. Weimer and G. D. Puterbaugh to 
the deacon's office. August 23, 1907, F. J. Weimer was elected to 
the ministry. December 16, 1908, A. H. Weimer, Alonza Cable, 
George Puterbaugh and Elam Forror were elected to the office of 
deacon. During this period M. N. Rensberger, a minister, lived here, 
coming in 1907 and moving away in 1911. He came to superintend 
the Brethren Home which is located in the city, and was a splendid 
addition to the ministry. November 2, 1909, A. H. Weimer was 
elected to the ministry. F. J. Weimer sometime after his election 
moved away but A. H. Weimer has stayed to help keep the home 
fires burning, and has proved a valuable adjunct to the ministerial 
force in this church. Granville Minnich came to superintend the 
Brethren Home, and became a member in this church in June, 1909. 
He was a minister, and in July, 1911, was ordained an elder here. He 
moved back to Trotwood in 1915. Vincent Halladay, a deacon, came 
in May, 1910, and remained until his death a few years ago. During 



282 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



the previous years as well as since, the church has held a number of 
successful revivals. Among the evangelists have been Elders Dorsey 
Hodgden, J. W. Lear, J. W. Fidler, D. R. McFadden, B. F. Petry, 
and others. 

The growth also by immigration continued and the need of a 
larger church house for love-feast occasions and Sunday school was 
soon felt, so in the fall of 1911, the church house was remodeled, which 
provided six Sunday-school rooms, a baptistry and a commodious 
gallery at an approximate cost of three thousand dollars. This gave 







Jb3 


• : < 


l^^j 


JM ; . '■■'.. •■■-iil 


"^Sk 


■ky 'iL'irj" b 


*iF3i 






F^BHHB * 







Greenville Church. 



them a very convenient and well arranged house. In December, 1913, 
Calvin Fryman and Charles Forror were elected deacons. Elder A. 
D. Coate in May, 1914, handed his letter here. Jerry Hollinger, a 
deacon, became the superintendent of the Brethren Home and in 
April, 1915, a member of this church. He is still living here. Joseph 
Halladay came in June, 1916, and, in a short time, died. D. A. Keener, 
a deacon, moved in, in the preceding February of the same year. Calvin 
Fryman was elected to the ministry February 7, 1'917, and John Miller 
to the deaconship at the same time. 

In the fall of this year Samuel Halladay, a deacon, moved in. 
David Hollinger's business interests in Canada had called him to that 
land at various times in years past. In the spring of 1917, he found 
the war had so affected conditions, that it made it necessary to spend 



of the Southern District of Ohio 283 

the summer there, his wife going with him. He came back in the 
fall to Greenville only however to make further preparations for a 
more permanent residence in Canada. His goods packed, and his 
letter of membership received, he had the pleasure before he went, to 
attend the fall love feast. The occasion was one of genuine interest, 
especially so as brother and sister Hollinger had spent seventeen years 
in faithful service in the Master's cause in this city. Part of this 
time sister Hollinger superintended the Sunday school. Their de- 
parture to the Northland was much regretted. 

Elder I. J. Rosenberger brought his letter of membership here in 
May, 1918. In 1917, Granville Minnich returned to take up the super- 
intendency of the Brethren Home. He became Presiding Elder of 
the Greenville Church, in January, 1918. He moved away September 
18, 1919, and on the same date Elmer Petry took charge of the 
Home. At the council early in September, Elder Minnich resigned 
the oversight of the church and B. F. Sharp assumed charge. The 
membership now numbered 200, and the Sunday school averages 117. 
The church recently secured A. H. Weimer as pastor. I. N. Royer 
a deacon, moved here in March, 1913, D. A. Keener, anodier deacon, in 
March, 1916, and Charles Miller, also a deacon, in March, 1919. The 
other members of the deacon board at present are Henry Beck (the 
only official who has remained here since the church was built), 
George Puterbaugh, Sr., Samuel Halladay, and Elam Forror. The 
principles of the Gospel as practiced by the Brethren, have been well 
observed in this church. 



m m m m m m m 

LsL IqpJ l***) l * 9 ' {°£J l°£) k<^2J 

(5) 
Palestine 

THE Brethren settled in Palestine territory early in the nine- 
teenth century. Brethren David Miller, Sr., son of Elder 
Jacob Miller, the first minister of the Miami Valley and Elder 
Benjamin Bowman visited from Nettle Creek Church, Indiana. John 



284 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Weaver was the first preacher here. John Crumrine also preached 
much in this locality. 

The first resident elder was Emanuel Flory who came in 1830, 
from the Wolf Creek Church. About the time of his coming, the 
settlement near Palestine and on West Branch Creek, began to manage 
its own affairs and thus without much ceremony the Palestine Church 
began to be. Elder Flory presided with much sagacity until his de- 
cease. Ere his departure, his son-in-law, Jacob Miller, was ordained 
and presided with David Harter who was elected and ordained with 
him. Prior to the division, Elder Harter was called home and Elder 
Miller went with the Old Orders, taking with him, his son, Emanuel 
Miller, an elder in the church, and his son-in-law, Johnathan Wen- 
rick, a minister in the second degree. The deacons at this time 
were George Brumbaugh, George Baker, Isaac Kunkle, George 
Miller, Isaac Hollinger, and Moses Hollinger. 

The first church house was built one-half mile south of Pales- 
tine in 1868. Few meetings of District importance were ever held 
here. Perhaps the only one was the District Meeting of 1869. In 
1876, a meeting house was built on West Branch and was enlarged in 
1887. A church house was also built at Beech Grove. This church 
now had three houses of worship besides holding meetings regularly in 
Fort Jefferson. In 1904 the district was divided. The west part 
is known as Beech Grove, while the east part retained the name of 
Palestine with one house called West Branch which was rebuilt in 1905 , 
the old house south of Palestine having been dismantled. 

George Stump was elected to the ministry in 1879 and advanced 
in 1881. Shortly after the Old Order movement culminated, Moses 
Hollinger and David Hollinger were elected to the ministry. Henry 
Baker, Noah Baker, and Daniel Bausman were elected to the deacon- 
ship. 

After the withdrawal of those that went with the Old Orders, on 
October 19, 1881, Thomas Wenrick was elected elder in charge and 
served until his death, November 20, 1884. In December of the 
same year, Jesse Stutsman was made Presiding Elder and had charge 
until 1893, when Resin Stevins moved in and was given the oversight 
for one year. Then it was without an elder for a short period when some 
elders from adjoining churches assisted, viz.: Jerry Katherman, 
William K. Simmons and others. July 23, 1896, Henry Frantz took 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



285 



charge and ruled until June 23, 1898. After this the elders nearby 
had charge awhile as before. Henry Baker was elected to the minis- 
try here in 1893, having previously served the church ten years in 
the office of deacon. Daniel M. Garver was given charge July 20, 
1901. During his oversight, the Beech Grove Church was organized 
and the West Branch house rebuilt. He continued until May 17, 
1906, then June 14, of the same year, John Calvin Bright became the 
Presiding Elder of the church. 




Palestine Church. 



During his occupancy, Henry Baker and George Stump were or- 
dained to the eldership respectively in 1907 and 1909. John Calvin 
Bright resigned the oversight of the church March 13, 1913, when 
Henry Baker was chosen for the place. He filled it with unusual 
prudence until September 8, 1917, when on his own earnest request 
the church chose Raymond Lantis who recently had been ordained. 
August Becker, a young man formerly from Germany, but named 
for the ministry at Chicago, Illinois, has lived here at intervals. Few 
bring more zeal into the work than he. Frank Brower, a young minis- 
ter, recently moved near here, and will assist Elder Lantis who has 
the work in charge. The present deacon board consists of Noah 
Baker, Emanuel Hollinger, John Hollinger, and Ira Rife. The aver- 
age attendance at Sunday school is over forty. Palestine is a church 
well named, and includes sixty members within its borders. 



286 History of the Church of the Brethren 



m m m m m m m 

L gx°J C«g; lv) (<&) L5gJ lieJ l°xt ) 

(6) 
Beech Grove 

BEECH Grove Church is in the southwestern part of Darke 
County, Ohio. The present church was built in 1888, and re- 
modeled in 1905. It is located north of the cemetery in Sec- 
tion 34, Liberty Township. The first services were held in a school 
house located south of the cemetery. This house was dedicated for 
worship forty-two years ago. 

This church was a part of the Palestine Church until March 11, 
1904. It began with sixty-eight members, with D. M. Carver, chair- 
man, and Irvin Royer, secretary. George C. Stump and Robert E. 
Burger were ministers in the second degree. Daniel Hollinger, his 
wife, Elizabeth Hollinger, (nee Bolinger), Andrew B. Miller, his wife, 
Dora Miller, (nee Berkebile), and Solomon Bolinger, his wife, Malinda 
Bolinger, (nee Royer), were deacons. In connection with these 
deacons, it might be well to mention two deacons who lived and died in 
this locality prior to the organization. Deacon George Miller was 
born April 11, 1816, and died March 12, 1898. He was three times 
married : first to Catherine Warner, next to Caroline Boomershine and 
lastly to Barbara Bolinger who is still living. Pie served as deacon 
many years, and was the father of nineteen children. Another pio- 
neer deacon, John Royer, his wife, Elizabeth Royer (nee Wise), was 
born August 19, 1840 and died December 12, 1901. He was the father 
of fifteen children and served as deacon, eighteen years. The first 
elder of the new organization was David Hollinger, who presided until 
March 19, 1907. From this date Samuel Blocher had the oversight until 
February 24, 1912. Then Lawrence Kreider was elected elder in charge 
and presided until February 27, 1915. At this meeting B. F. Sharp 
was chosen, but did not accept, so that the same year Sylvan Book- 
waiter was elected on August 28, and has presided over the church 
from that time up to the present. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



287 



Moses Hollinger, a minister, moved to this church, June 10, 
1905, and was ordained May 21, 1910. He was a well preserved man 
physically in his old age and was quite active in the church up to his 
death in 1916. On December 12, 1908, George C. Stump, one of the 
two ministers at the time of organization, moved out. The other 
minister, Robert E. Burger was given a letter of membership Septem- 
ber 10, 1910, and also moved away. To meet this increasing declen- 
sion of the ministerial force Andrew A. Petry was elected to the 
ministry November 24, 1906, and ordained in 1916. Solomon Bol- 
inger and E. S. Hollinger were called to the ministry November 25 * 
1911, and advanced in 1913. Charles Stockdale, a minister, moved 
to this church August 28, 1915, and later moved away. A number 




Elder Moses Hollinger. 



of deacons have been elected in this church at different intervals. 
David A. Keener, his wife, Vernie Keener (nee Beck), and Irvin 
Royer, his wife, Elmina Royer (nee Baker), were elected March 11, 
1905, to the deaconship. Emanuel Hollinger moved here March 14, 
1908 and left May 11, 1912. Daniel Hollinger died April 15, 1908. 
On March 26, 1910, Peter Rife, his wife, Martha Rife (nee Marshal), 
and Joseph Royer, his wife, Sadie Royer (nee Morgan), were in- 
stalled into the deaconship. Also to the same office, August 25, 
1917, Orville McKee, his wife, Stella McKee (nee Richard), and Irvin 
Hollinger, his wife, Myrtle Hollinger (nee Miller), were called. 

Recently the ministerial force has been much increased. Elders 
Nathan Groff and H. Jesse Baker moved here from North Star 
Church in February, 1919. Frank Brower, a minister, his wife, Ruth 



288 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





B. F. Heckman and Wife. 

They were missionaries in China until his death. Sister Heckman was an 
Ohio girl, in the Pleasant Valley Church. 





R. Cottrell and Wife. 



They are missionaries in India. Sister Cottrell was an Ohio girl, in the 
Greenville Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 289 



B rower, (nee Royer) came about the same time. He requested 
to hold his membership in the Palestine Church. Jonas Royer, 
his wife, Laura Royer, (nee DeHoff ), was elected to the ministry, Feb- 
ruary 22, 1919, but not installed, he being in France at the time. After 
his return, this was done August 23, 1919. At the same meeting, 
Solomon Bolinger was ordained an elder. With so many added 
helpers, the future prospects of Beech Grove brighten. They have 
ninety-three members, and an average attendance at Sunday school of 
seventy-one. It is a fine rural church in a good country. 



mwwmmww 



CHAPTER IX. 



Church Activities 



.sej LseJ UP- 




Adam Pfeifer 

He was a member of the District Mission Board, also one of the trustees of 

the Brethren Home for many years, which connection was only severed 

by his death. Few outside the ministry have left a greater impress on the 

activities of the church than he. 



m m m m m m m 

lyj IggJ Igpj I'yJ ( gg J ("k 3 - 1 k°sp j 
(1) 

The Sunday-School Work 

OUR first Sunday school in Southern Ohio began about fifty 
years after our first churches were organized. Many Brethren 
emigrated from Pennsylvania where at Germantown they 
had conducted a Sunday school as early as 1738. This was 

the first Sunday school of any denomination in America and for this 
fact the Church of the Brethren have full credit. Just why this splen- 
did movement was not more generally propagated there, and intro- 
duced at an earlier date in Ohio can not fully be explained. As time 
elapsed it became evident that we were losing to the church an alarm- 
ingly large per cent, of our children. To help correct this unfor- 
tunate state of affairs some advocated the organization of Sunday 
schools. Others questioned the movement claiming that the Sunday 
school was a worldly organization and if parents would give more 
religious instructon in the home there would be no need of Sunday 
schools. However sincere the motive of the latter may have been, 
the idea of organizing the church for the purpose of teaching God's 
word more effectively continued to grow in the hearts of the people. 

By turning to the Pleasant Hill (Newton) Church history, it will 
be discovered that the claim is made for that church as being the 
organizer of the first Sunday school in Southern Ohio. The Harris 
Creek Church later on had a school of which account can be read in 
connection with that church's history. According to the statement 
of A. F. Mikesell, one of Covington's oldest residents, the Brethren 
started a Sunday school at that place about 1867. Samuel Murray 
was the first superintendent. A few years later William Boggs was 
elected as the superintendent. About this time there was a Sunday 
school organized by the Brethren at Greenville Falls. A few years later 
another Sunday school was organized by the Brethren at the Fahne- 
stock school house with Jacob M. Mohler as the superintendent. It will 



294 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



be of interest to know that the Covington school is not only the largest 
in Southern Ohio, but the largest school in our brotherhood. One by 
one all the other congregations organized Sunday schools. 

The following is the present status of the Sunday school in 
Southern Ohio. Not all however sent in returns. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL REPORT ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1918. 



NAME OF SCHOOL 



NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT 




J 2 

H to 

O 



H 



fcd 
< 



Arlington. . . . 
Ash Grove . . . 
Bear Creek . . 
Beech Grove . 
Bethel 

Bradford . . . 
Bremen .... 
Brookville . . 



Castine 

Cedar Grove . . . 

Charleston 

Cincinnati 

Circleville 

Constance 

Covington 

Donnel's Creek. . 
East Dayton ... . 

Eversole 

FortMcKinley. . . 

Gratis 

Greenville 

Happy Corner . . . 
Harris Creek. . . . 

Jordan 

Loramie 

Lower Miami . . . 
Middle District.. . 

Middletown 

New Carlisle 

Oakland 

Painter Creek. . . 

Pitsburg 

Pleasant Hill... . 
Pleasant Valley . . . 
Poplar Grove .... 
Pottsdam (George- 
town) 



No report 

No report 

E. J. Bright 

Orville McKee 

N. W. Sollenberger. 

D. K. Rinehart 

Ora Stover 

Harvey M. Stover . 

J.H.Wehrley 

Ralph Hattan 
Willis H.Wandle. . 

IdaTimmons 

Leroy Patton .... 
Martha Landis. . . 

Oliver Royer 

John T.Moll 

E. M.Fox 

J. D. Funderburg . 
Elizabeth Grove. . . 
Harvey Landis .... 

H.W. Holler 

Wesley Suman .... 
J. W. Weimer. . . . 

Ora A. Deihl 

Roy Wagoner ... . 

Ida Sell , 

Leslie Helman. . . . 

Wm. Furrey 

J. E. Coy....... . 

Chester Francis . . . 

W. E. Hawke 

A. E. Aikey 

Roy Honeyman . . . 

Jennie Miller 

Eva G. Kindell. . . 
A.J. Minnich. . . . 

Irvin Baker 

A. J. Johnson 

Perrv Hoke .... 



703 24 
107 51 
595 10 

199 95 

78 71 

378 44 

321 75 
56 96 
32 17 
74 04 
66 34 
22 50 

299 65 

224 '79 

175 00 

55 00 

116 84 

205 73 

97 75 

71 07 

69 07 

275 00 

236 24 

136 74 

305 23 

400 00 

302 92 

257 49 

247 47 

94 61 

142 39 

165 00 



221 
125 
355 

189 
33 

249 

150 

50 

45 

75 

113 

60 

816 

125 

187 

184 

175 

95 

239 

146 

232 

57 

50 

145 

103 

122 

264 

257 

271 

227 

265 

106 

175 

177 



118 

71 

192 

95 

32 

157 

80 

37 

30 

28 

67 

37 

342 

85 

76 

89 

84 

39 

117 

84 

112 

32 

35 

100 

40 

53 

148 

120 

107 

100 

143 

51 

97 

92 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



295 



NAME OF SCHOOL 



NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT 



O 
O 









Price's Creek. 



Red River 

Sidney 

Springfield 

Sugar Hill 

Tom's Run 

Trotwood 

Troy 

Union City, Ind. . 
Union City, Ohio 
West Branch .... 
West Charleston . 
West Dayton . . . 

West Milton 

Wheatville 

Zion 



C. D. Emrick 

Bert Snyder 

Blaine Flory 

Cora A. J.Smith... 

Ira Hoke 

Isaac Bowser 

H. G. Erbaugh 

Frank Eby 

E.S. Petry 

Charles Stocksdale . 

C. E. Mikesell 

Ira Baker 

Chas. Karns 

Harry McPherson . 

S. B. Wenger 

Emerson Driver . . . 
I.C. Whitehead. . . 



i $307 59 


218 


118 56 


147 


387 31 


265 


110 32 


89 


58 14 


40 


140 50 


113 


426 23 


266 


70 03 


57 


61 13 


66 


137 77 


75 


33 23 


122 


322 46 


236 


290 74 


206 


255 17 


130 


125 00 


134 


139 03 


80 



72 

120 

60 

30 

61 

119 

31 

35 

70 

38 

112 

131 

100 

45 

60 



1 

4 
5 
2 
8 
14 
6 

17 

4 

3 



By referring to the articles, "The Assembly" and "The Institute," addi- 
tional information can be gathered of Sunday-school work. 



ffi 



(2) 



The Christian Workers' Society 



THESE meetings seem to be a revival of the Sunday afternoon 
meeting held in Germantown, Pennsylvania, beginning soon 
after the arrival of the Brethren in America. 
Their purpose seemed to be, to give opportunity for general ex- 
pression, and testimony from the young people especially. A de- 
velopment of spiritual strength of character and "aptness" to teach 
was thereby manifested. 

Many strong workers went out from the parent church at Ger- 
mantown to new and unsettled parts of Pennsylvania and adjoining 
States. In their isolated locations opportunities for such meetings 
were not convenient and gradually the church lost its beneficial in- 



296 



History of the Church of the Brethren 







of the Southern District of Ohio 297 

fluence, just as it did in some other lines and functions of Christian 
endeavor. By and by these activities began to be manifest and final- 
ly the Annual Conference recognizing their utility, provided a plan 
whereby they may be organized into a working force. 

The plan has been variously amended and the work has been a 
department under the direction of the General Sunday-school Board. 
Outlines of suitable subjects are published twice a year with a six 
month's course each, in advance. Space is given in the Sunday- 
school paper, ''Our Young People," for a brief discussion of each 
subject, a week in advance of date for its rendering. Most of the 
churches of Southern Ohio have, in some form, taken hold of this 
work. The Annual Conference of 1919 appointed a General Chris- 
tian Workers' Board which is to assume the former responsibilities of 
the Sunday-school Board relative to the Christian Workers' Society. 
As this Board is to supervise, unify, systematize and promote the 
societies to more practical Christian life and service, they will doubt- 
less grow into great usefulness. 



mmmmmmm 

l ieJ (iej lie; LgeJ laeJ lagj (jut ) 

(3) 

The Charity Work 

(a). The Brethren Home 

FOR years many of the brethren felt that we needed a Home 
for our aged indigent brethren and sisters. The need of 
an orphanage was also emphasized. At the District Meeting 
at Price's Creek in 1901, the matter came up for consideration. The 
project by vote, received the sanction of the meeting. The meet- 
ing appointed Elder Joseph Longanecker to take charge of can- 
vassing the churches of Southern Ohio for the necessary funds. He 
gave a statement of his work at a Special Meeting at Ft. McKinley 
Church held February 25, 1902. He reported $16,622.69. His re- 
port was accepted and the meeting proceeded to appoint trustees as 
follows : Adam Pfeifer, Adam Minnich, Jacob Coppock, Jonas Horn- 



298 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





H. G. Bright Abraham Weimer 

These two were former trustees of the Brethren Home- 




A. B. Miller. 

He has been secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Brethren Home 
from the beginning. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 299 



ing and A. B. Miller, and authorized them to draw up a constitution 
and by-laws and report to the coming District Meeting. The Meet- 
ing also appointed the following brethren as a committee on location : 
Aaron Brubaker, John Stauffer, John Christian, Joseph Longanecker 
and John H. Brumbaugh. These committees met the District Meet- 
ing at Upper Twin, April 15, 1902. The committee on location re- 
ported Greenville as the most suitable place offered for the prospective 
Brethren Home. The Meeting accepted the committee's report, 
and authorized the trustees to proceed to put up the buildings, on the 
Greenville location which consisted of a little over forty-two acres, for 
which they had taken an option of $7,792.25. The trustees at once 
got out a charter to legalize their work. 

The location of the Home has ever proven satisfactory. Being 
within the city limits, it gives them the benefit of sewerage, street 
improvement, fire protection, mail, gas, electric lights, etc., besides the 
advantage of three railroads and a traction line. The trustees gave 
the contract to W. S. Frey to erect two buildings, one 38 by 72 and the 
other 26 by 72. One was for the old people and the other for the 
orphans. Each building was to be full two stories high, with attic rooms 
above, a full basement underneath, and an eight-foot porch completely 
around it. 

The buildings are of substantial structure seventy-five feet apart 
and are connected by a long hallway and a capacious laundry room, 
fully equipped with modern laundry machinery. It is warmed by 
steam heat. The Home was dedicated the 6th of August, 1903. It 
was an occasion of general satisfaction, as everybody seemed pleased 
with this new institution so well blessed with such favorable sur- 
roundings. The buildings are nicely located on ground gently elevat- 
ing from the street backwards, giving the place a most graceful ap- 
pearance. The Home when completed was soon filled to its full 
capacity, the number of inmates reaching the high mark, thirty-six ; the 
highest number reached at one time in its history. The location of the 
Home is considered healthful with good water, and but little sickness 
among the aged inmates. The Home physician has made comments very 
favorable to the institution in this respect. The annual death rate is 
from three to four. 

The Home is provided with a very neat chapel room, in which 
services are held twice per month by the different congregations 



300 History of the Church of the Brethren 

adjoining. The management makes it a rule to hold one love feast 
each year for the special benefit of the inmates of the Home. The 
feasts are attended by all the inmates save those who are too feeble. 
The annual visit is commonly paid by one of the trustees associated 
with one of the deacons of the town church. The amount varies 
some as to the expense of the institution, owing to the crowded con- 
dition of the Home and change of cost of living. The District in 
1919 appropriated four thousand dollars. Some times it has been 
less. The land belonging to the Home is very fertile and is well 
handled ; and its annual yield contributes much to the support of the 
Home. They keep about four or more good milk cows and a good 
team ; and raise feed and fatten from twelve to fifteen hogs for their 
own use. They have a large well stocked poultry yard that gives a good 
annual yield. They cultivate a large truck patch or garden, that aids 
much in supplying the wants of the table. As some of the inmates are 
able to do light work, a number of the brethren aid in cultivating the 
garden and caring for the lawn ; while the sisters aid in the kitchen and 
in keeping the house in order. 

There have been a number of changes in superintendents in car- 
ing for the Home. The first in charge was Henry Snowberger. His 
successors were Ephraim Longanecker, one year, Joseph Brandt, one 
year, Melvin Rensberger, three years, Granville W. Minnich, six years, 
Jeremiah Hollinger, two years. Then Granville W. Minnich returned, 
superintending the Home until September 18, 1919, since when 
Elmer Petry has assumed charge of the work. All of the above have 
given good satisfaction. 

(b). The Orphanage 

There has always been a very warm interest for homeless children 
whose needs were constantly within our range of vision. But the 
Home became at once so filled with the aged, that the assistance of 
the orphan lay dormant for some years. The first orphan was re- 
ceived in the home in 1904 ; and the records show that eleven chil- 
dren were received in the Home that year. As the brethren at once 
seek to get permanent homes for the children committed to them, the 
number of children at one time has never been great. From the 
beginning the records show that up to September 16, 1919, ninety-one 
children, thirty-five of whom were members, had been received in the 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



301 




Jeremiah Hollinger. 





S. F. Studebaker Levi Zumbrun 

Some of the later trustees of the Brethren Home. 



302 History of the Church of the Brethren 



orphanage. They have had twenty in the Home the past year, seven 
of whom were placed in private homes, all healthy, well developed 
children. All remaining are attending school, some of them are 
members of the church. As the statute does not allow children to be 
kept in the same building that aged people are cared for, this made it 
necessary to build an annex to the old people's building, which was 
completed at a cost of about $5,000. The annex in size is 32 by 45. 
The present board of trustees are as follows : Ben Studebaker, Jeremiah 
Hollinger, S. F. Studebaker, Levi Zumbrun, and A. B. Miller. The 
latter is a charter member. The names of all the brethren who have 
served as trustees of the Home are, found in the two lists given, 
save Abraham Weimer and H. G. Bright, deceased. On May 1, 1919 
there were twenty-three inmates in the Old Folks' department and thir- 
teen in the Children's department. These with the hired help and the 
superintendent's family, make the number all told, considerable. The 
interests of the Home are moving on very quietly, and in a very 
satisfactory manner. All seem well satisfied with the management and 
the provisions of the Home- 

(c). The Sisters' Aid Society 

The propriety and value of the work of Sisters' Aid societies as 
one of the activities of the church was long felt to be a worthy enter- 
prise. Remnant pieces of goods and garments outgrown had been 
collected for years and given to those in need. The good thus done 
became manifest. Churches caught the spirit and were ''provoked 
to good works." Hence at the Annual Meeting at Harrisonburg, 
Virginia, in 1909, the sisters called a special meeting, to ascertain the 
feeling as to the propriety of taking steps to further the enterprise of 
Sisters' Aid societies by a general organization. The plan met the 
approval of the meeting and an organization was effected. Mina Bos- 
serman Miller was placed in charge of the Sisters' Aid societies of 
Southern Ohio. The records show that the early progress was not 
rapid, that during the years of 1912 and 1913 Sisters' Aid societies 
were organized only in nine congregations. The secretary reported 
her work at the District Meeting of 1914. Catherine Hollinger was 
then placed in charge of the work. The cause soon seemed to take 
on new life as sisters and churches saw the ever widening field. Sister 



of the Southern District of Ohio 303 

Hollinger succeeded in getting favorable reports from twenty con- 
gregations for the District Meeting of 1915. 

Each of these organizations had its president and its treas- 
urer and corresponding secretary ; these were placed in line of com- 
munication with the corresponding officers of the State District ; 
and these in turn are in line of communication with the correspond- 
ing officers of the General Brotherhood. These societies at their 
regular meetings are enabled to collect goods and make garments and 
with regular collections of money, their aid and efforts are happily 
felt. 

Sister Hollinger's report for 1917 showed that thirty two societies 
were co-operating in the work, and that the society had not only sup- 
plied the needs of mission points in the home field, but had reached 
the needs of the foreign field. The treasurer's report showed that 
nearly one hundred and fifty dollars had been contributed to needs 
of the foreign field. This was sister Hollinger's last report as she 
soon moved to Canada. Susie Minnich acted as secretary pro tern, 
in 1917, and gave the report, since which time Mina Bosserman Miller 
has acted as secretary, she having been chosen by the District for that 
work. The last year has shown a wonderful development of the 
society. The world war conflagration disclosed many needy fields. 
Sister Miller's report to the District Meeting of 1919 showed that all 
moneys received by her the past year amounted to nearly $2,400 ; that 
nearly $900 was spent in the home field and nearly $300 in the foreign 
field, and much help given the Red Cross, Belgian sufferers, Ar- 
menians and others. The life of Dorcas of old was so great along 
this line of helpfulness, that her deeds stand in the Divine Records as 
a memorial of her and so in this history this brief appreciation shall 
testify to the worth and work of our industrious and consecrated 
sisters. 



304 History of the Church of the Brethren 



mmmmmmm 

UeJ lix^ liteJ LieJ Lsev IseJ L^eJ 

(4). 

The Home Mission Work 

THE Brethren have always been in favor of missions, carrying it 
on largely by emigration, the early ministers being especially 
active. Elder Jacob Miller established the church in three 
states: Virginia, 1765, Miami Valley, Ohio, 1800, Indiana, 1809. He 
assisted or took the lead in organizing eleven churches. Elder 
Michael Etter on the Upper Stillwater, Elder John Burkett on the 
Lower Stillwater, Elder David Bowman on Bear Creek, Elder John 
Hart on Twin Creek, and Elder Daniel Cripe on Wolf Creek, were 
very active in the first decades of the nineteenth century. Their work 
was advanced by Elders Philip Younce, William Marquis, John Cable, 
Joseph Risser, Daniel Miller, Peter Nead, the Frantzes and others who 
with a faithful deacon often assisted the adjoining churches and the 
new settlements of the Brethren, and spread the message of salvation. 
The first query brought to the District Meeting of Southern Ohio in 
1867 by Elder James Quinter which proposed a systemized help for 
the ministry in mission work, met with considerable opposition and 
was withdrawn by the author without action. 

The District Meeting appointed a Missionary Meeting for August 
13, 1879, for the Wolf Creek Church. It was largely attended by 
delegates from each church and many others of the brethren and 
sisters. The officers of the preceding District Meeting had charge. 
The elders and ministers were admonished to be helpful to the weak 
churches, and the churches were admonished to assist them with means. 
Brethren George Holler, Jacob Garber, and George Garver were a com- 
mittee to assist in directing the work. May 9. 1882, the District Meet- 
ing at the Salem Church resolved to establish a home mission and the 
following brethren were appointed to serve as a Mission Board for 
one year : Samuel Mohler, Landon West, John Smith, O. F. Yount and 
Jesse Stutsman. These brethern with the following brethren who were 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



305 





Jacob G. Bashore Elias Stauffer 

Two early members of the District Mission Board. 





C. A. Baker E. C. Funderburg 

Two later members of the District Mission Board. 



306 History of the Church of the Brethren 

appointed as the years came constituted the Mission Board until 1893: 
George Garver, Tobias Kreider, Jesse Kinsey, Geo. Holler, Jeremiah 
Katherman, Jacob Garber, Jonas Horning and Henry Gump. George 
Garver, John Smith and Jonas Horning were secretaries and treasurers 
of the fund. They expended as high as $300.00 a year and the work 
was helped in Canada by Landon West and Jacob Garber, in 
Kentucky by Elders Garver, Smith, West and others who also went 
to the churches in Meigs, Adams and Highland counties. In 1892 
a committee was appointed to form a plan for more extensive mis- 
sionary work. That committee was I. J. Rosenberger, Jonas Horn- 
ing, John Calvin Bright, I. B. Trout, Quinter Calvert. They reported 
the following plan to the District Meeting of 1893 : 

First, We recommend that District Meeting select a committee 
of five brethren in full sympathy with mission work and the order 
and usages of the church, part of whom shall be ministers, part dea- 
cons, part laymen, and not more than two of either. This committee 
shall be known as the Mission Board, of the German Baptist Brethren 
Church of Southern Ohio. Their term of office shall be five years, 
except those first chosen, one of whom shall serve one year, one, two 
years, one, three years, one, four years, and one, five years. Second, 
It shall be the duty of this Board to organize by electing one of their 
number foreman and one secretary and treasurer. Third, It shall 
be their duty to meet at least once each three months. Fourth. It shall 
be the duty of this Board to select annually, for mission work, two or 
more brethren well established in the faith of the Gospel as practiced 
by the German Baptist Brethren Church, one of whom shall be an 
elder. And these brethren shall hold themselves in readiness to re- 
spond to the demands made upon them by the Board. For this 
labor, they shall receive their expenses and such compensation for 
their time as the Board may see right and proper. Fifth, It shall 
be the privilege of the said Mission Board to fill any vacancies that 
may occur in their number. Sixth, It shall be the duty of the Board 
to consider all calls of preaching, to aid weak churches and to im- 
prove all opportunities for opening new points in Southern Ohio. 
Seventh, It shall be the duty of the said Board to receive funds by 
donations, bequests and endowment from individuals and churches, as 
provided for by Annual Meeting, and their work shall be confined 
within the funds in hand. Eighth, It shall be the duty of the Board 
to introduce the Gospel Messenger and distribute tracts within their 



of the Southern District of Ohio 307 

work, and, if necessary, at the expense of mission funds. Ninth, It 
shall be the duty of the said Mission Board to keep a complete record 
of all the work done, including money received and expended, number 
of sermons preached and results, number of families, and report an- 
nually to District Meeting. The following article was offered by 
District Meeting. This Board shall constitute the trustees of the 
mission funds of Southern Ohio, with the power to choose an addi- 
tional member if necessary. 

It may be said in favor of the above report that with slight modi- 
fications it has remained practically unchanged for more than a quarter 
of a century. As the work enlarged and the different points increased 
in number, it was found necessary to have more elders on the Board, 
so in 1914, the District Meeting granted the privilege of electing an 
additional elder and dropping one deacon from the line of succession. 
This has added much to the efficiency of the Board in caring for its 
charges. Prior to the District Meeting of 1889, the members of the 
Board were appointed, since then they have been elected by vote of 
the delegates. The members constituting the Board before 1893 
having been given above, those serving since will now be named. Of 
these Adam Pfeifer devoted more years to this work than any other, 
having an unbroken record of twenty-two years of continuous service. 
The beginning and expiration of their years of service on the Board 
is also given in connection with their names appearing below. 

Elder Jonas Horning, 1893 to 1903. 

Elder I. Bennett Trout, 1893 to 1895. 

Layman Adam Minnich, 1893 to 1901. ' 

Deacon Jacob G. Bashore, 1893 to 1895. 

Deacon Elias Stauffer, 1893 to 1894. 

Deacon Samuel A. Erbaugh. 1894 to 1904. 

Deacon Adam Pfeifer, 1895 to 1917. 

Elder Daniel M. Garver, 1895 to 1902. 

Elder Daniel M. Garver, 1903 to 1908. 

Elder Daniel M. Garver, 1912, to 1913. 

Elder Daniel M. Garver, 1916 to 1918. 

Elder Sylvan Bookwalter, 1901 to 1916. 

Elder David Filbrun, 1902 to 1906. 

Layman H. C. Royer, 1904 to 1909. 

Deacon Clarence A. Baker, 1906 to 1921. 

Elder Josephus E. Barnhart, 1908 to 1912. 



308 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Deacon David F. Priser, 1909 to 1914. 

Elder John W. Fidler, 1913 to 1923. 

Elder Jesse O. Garst, 1914 to 1924. 

Deacon E. C. Funderburg, 1917 to 1925. 

Elder Ira G. Blocher, 1918 to 1921. 
In 1894 the District Meeting authorized the Board to receive 
contributions for the purchase or building of church houses. Under 
their direction church houses have been erected at Bremen, Charles- 
ton, Circleville, Cassel's Run, Cincinnati, Greenville and Sidney. They 
purchased the house at Troy, and assisted in the erection of others, 
such as at Middletown, etc. In ministerial help and otherwise, weak 
churches have been assisted by them in Adams, Butler, Clark, Cler- 
mont, Darke, Fairfield, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Hocking, Mercer, 
Meigs, Miami, Montgomery, Pickway, .Ross, Shelby, and several coun- 
ties in Kentucky and Indiana. For an account of this work the history 
of the individual churches will have to be read. No department of 
church work in Southern Ohio has had a healthier development than 
that of mission work. At the District Meeting of 1885, John Smith, 
the secretary of the Mission Board, reported the total amount collected, 
$188.56, while the amount expended was only $76.56 in that year. In 
1919, the secretary of the Mission Board, C. A. Baker reported to the 
District Meeting, his total receipts as $8,153.61, and expenditures 
$7, 874.64. This is indicative of the growth of the work. The Board 
recommends at each District Conference how much should be provided 
for each year's work, and after its acceptance, it is apportioned among 
the churches. This amount varies but has an upward tendency as 
the work increases. In addition to the regular work of the Board, 
the District is canvassed for funds frequently to erect church houses. 
By the help of this solicitation an excellent house was built last year 
at Cincinnati, and it is planned also shortly to build houses in Bradford 
and Springfield. In the launching of the forward movement of the 
church in the District, the Board by the help of the Lord hopes to do 
great things for the church in the near future. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 309 



(5) 
The Foreign Mission Work 

THE District of Southern Ohio is doing her part in the Foreign 
Mission work of the brotherhood. Some of her devoted sons 
and daughters have consecrated themselves to this noble 
service and are now busily engaged in the Master's work on the 
foreign field. Southern Ohio at least claims the place in 1884 
where the desire for efficient directed missionary endeavor took con- 
crete form, and an organization known as the General Church Erec- 
tion and Missionary Committee sprang into existence. It was under 
an apple tree in the yard of brother Moses Miller, near Dayton, Ohio, 
within a short distance of the tabernacle of the conference where 
the members of the Board had received their recent appointment, that 
they met to form an organization. The good wrought since, is it 
not written in the chronicle of all the churches established? Only an 
abbreviated account will be given here of the workers sent out from 
Southern Ohio under the direction of the General Missionary Board. 
The part our Sunday schools played in this, is largely told in the 
article on "The Assembly," while a more detailed sketch of the lives 
of the missionaries will be found in the biographical section. 

The first to go to the foreign field from Southern Ohio, was 
John M. Pittenger, who with his wife, went to India in 1904. Dur- 
ing their first term of service they were located at the Ahwa mission 
station. His furlough home was during the years, 1913-1914- He was 
next at the Dahanu mission station. Brother Pittenger's health 
has not been good during much of his term of service in India. Like 
the hero that he is, he has remained at his post of duty, often times 
when he should be recuperating his health. He is supported by 
the Sunday schools of Southern Ohio. He is now home on furlough. 

In 1911, J. Homer Bright went to the China field, supported since 
that time by the Sunday schools of Southern Ohio. During his first 
years of service he was located at Liao Chou. but from now on he 



310 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





O. C. Sollenberger and wife. 
They are both from the Middle District Church. 





I. E. Oberholtzer and wife. 
Sister Oberholtzer is from the Trotwood Church. 



The above missionaries are all working in the China Field. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 311 

will become the architect of the China mission and will be located at 
Ping Ting Chou. He will be supported in the future by the Ever- 
sole Church. With his wife and children, he was in America on fur- 
lough from May, 1918 until August, 1919. Providentially, he was in 
the homeland when his father, Elder John Calvin Bright, passed away. 
His wife, Minnie Flory Bright, is supported by the Salem Church. 
Since going to the field, they have become the parents of four children, 
two of whom, Mary and Kathryn, are now sleeping beneath China's 
sod. 

Another worker of Southern Ohio lineage, is Minna Mote Heck- 
man who went with her husband to the China mission in 1911, locat- 
ing at the Ping Ting Chou station. All went well until smallpox in- 
vaded their home, causing the death of her husband early in 1913. His 
body now reposes in the beautiful cemetery of Ping Ting Hsien, China. 
In the summer of 1913, sister Heckman returned to the homeland with 
the tears of the brotherhood falling in sympathy. 

In 1912, Anna M. Eby went out to India supported by the Bear 
Creek Church. She was located, during most of her stay, at the 
Dahanu station. Because of the serious illness of her father and 
grandmother, she returned on furlough to America in 1918. Her 
grandmother having died in 1919, she is now ministering to her invalid 
father at Trotwood, Ohio. 

Laura Murphy Cottrell, M. D. is another sister born and reared 
in Southern Ohio and who first received her religious aspirations in 
the Greenville Church. She went with her husband, Doctor A. Ray- 
mond Cottrell to India in 1913. Here they are making good as is 
shown by the fact that during the hot season of 1919, when they went 
to the hills for a short rest and the dispensary at Bulser was closed 
a short time, the need of these doctors in India was soon evidenced. 

The only worker from without the District receiving a support, 
is O. G. Brubaker M. D. who went to the China field in 1913. Per- 
haps he was helped to a decision by the then recent death of B. F. 
Heckman and the inadequate medical preparation of China to com- 
bat disease and sin. Though born in 1875 in Howard County, Indi- 
ana, he is partly of Ohio parentage, his father's nativity being Preble 
County, Ohio. He is supported by the Painter Creek Church. His 
report to the Liao station for the first three months of 1919, reveal 



312 History of the Church of the Brethren 



him as one of our busiest missionaries in his double duty of healing 
the body as well as ministering to the soul. 

In 1916 Elizabeth Weybright Oberholtzer with her husband, I. E. 
Oberholtzer, went out to the China field. Her former church home 
was at Trotwood and this church now took up her support. They 
are now located at Liao Chou, Shansi, China. 

Walter J. Heisey, who with his wife received an appointment to 
the China field in 1917, is another native of Southern Ohio, having 
been chosen to the ministry in the West Milton Church. His resi- 
dence the past year has been the North China Language School at Pe- 
king. While giving his services to the China Mission, Southern Ohio 
claims him as one of her consecrated and talented sons. 

The last to go was O. C. Sollenberger and his wife, Hazel Cop- 
pock Sollenberger. They sailed in August, 1919, for their field of 
labor in China. They are now located at the North China Language 
School. Peking. Brother Sollenberger is supported by the Sunday 
schools of Southern Ohio, while four churches of the District, 
West Charleston, New Carlisle, Donnel's Creek and Springfield, sup- 
port Sister Sollenberger. The above is a short summary of the Dis- 
trict's Foreign Missionary endeavor and the missionaries either sup- 
ported in some way by Southern Ohio, or at least born within its 
borders. For them go up our prayers. 



(6) 
The Book and Tract Work 

THIS committee was organized as the result of a query sent to the 
Annual Conference in 1885. There had been a Tract Society 
of the Brethren in Northern Illinois of their own choosing for 
several years. It now became a general one. It is noticed briefly 
here because of its Southern Ohio make-up. Elder Daniel Vaniman, 
who largely wrote the tract plan as it passed the Conference, was 
once a Southern Ohio boy. He also wrote their first tract "The 
House We Live In'' which is yet considered a standard production. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 313 

The executive committee was all appointed from Southern Ohio. It 
was composed of these brethren : S. D. Royer and S. W. Hoover, three 
years ; Adam Minnich and B. F. Miller two years ; Jacob Hepner and 
Samuel Bock, one year. 

The following brethren also served later on this committee : D. 
S. Filbrun, \Y. W. Barnhart, Isaac Frantz. The organization of this 
committee was on August 4, 1885, with officers as follows : S. W. 
Hoover, chairman, Samuel Bock, secretary, and Jacob A. Hepner, 
treasurer. They prosecuted their work with vigor and judgment. They 
continued the work for nine years when it was merged into the General 
Missionary and Tract Committee. The committee dispensed the 
first year about $76 which increased to an expenditure of nearly 
$4,000 in the last year of its existance. It also had about 
$65,000 in endowments, pledged or paid on hand. Sketches of the 
lives of the executive committee will be found in the biographical 
section. 



(7) 

The Ministerial Work 

THE "Acts of the Apostles" gives the history of the early church, 
so the story of our church is the history of our ministry and the 
work they have directed. This being true, this entire history must 
be read to get a proper conception of the ministerial work in Southern 
Ohio. There have been changes in the ministry in recent years. Up 
to the Annual Conference of 1917, it consisted of three degrees of ad- 
vancement, the first, second, and third, or eldership. The first was 
largely an apprenticeship for the minister, his duties being mostly con- 
fined to preaching the Word as the older ministers gave him oppor- 
tunity. In the year above mentioned this restriction was removed 
and the duties of the first and second degrees combined. He who 
studies the history of the philosophy of our ministerial evolutions, 
will not fail to observe the strong influence the elder ministers had upon 



314 History of the Church of the Brethren 

the church work in years gone by and a gradual transition to larger 
liberties and responsibilities for the younger ministers in later years. 

It is a well known characteristic, that old men are apt to be cau- 
tious and young men more active. Caution has been written in large 
letters in our ministerial work in the past, and no encomium is too 
great to bestow upon our fathers who gave us the church in its purity, 
without financial remuneration, in a self sacrificing spirit, such as the 
world at large has little known. . The spirit of the age, however, has 
become exceedingly aggressive, creating a greater demand for action 
which lately resulted in a great forward movement in the church, to 
which our ministers old and young are responding nobly. By action 
of the District Meeting, May 9, 1882 a Missionary Board was created 
by the District Meeting and May 2, 1911, a Ministerial Committee. 
These have been quite helpful in giving an impetus and stimulus to 
the minister's work in neglected places and at the same time exercis- 
ing proper prudence and careful caution in its management. In 1917 
the Ministerial Committee found their duties somewhat enlarged by 
the Annual Conference. Previous to this, their duty had been chiefly 
gathering statistics by means of which a number of ministers desiring 
a change of location, came in contact with churches where their ser- 
vices were needed. 

Prior to this with only a few exceptions, a young brother was 
called to the ministry through the vote of the church and not by his 
own inclination for the work. Now it was permitted a young brother 
desiring the goodly work of the ministry, to be installed in that office 
without an election after a satisfactory conference with the Ministerial 
Committee and his elder and the concurrence of two thirds of his 
church in council. The Ministerial Committee has been active in 
the installation of. a number of young brethren, some of whom were 
elected by the church and others by the last method mentioned. At 
these meetings they encourage the churches to come to the relief of the 
young men called, who have not received the necessary training and 
some of the churches have heeded the injunction and are helping to 
some extent along that line. 

The Ministerial Committee is helpful in other ways and its work 
will broaden in the future as many things in relation to the ministry 
are yet unsolved, and proper distribution of the ministerial force so 
that the weak points may be cared for, remains a perplexing problem. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



315 



One thing however is known, and that is that in no past period of 
Southern Ohio history, has there been a larger class of men in the 
ministry, more intelligent and consecrated, devoting their time and 
means to the cause than just now. They are God's workmen, the 
peers of any the wide world over. The following elders have served 
Southern Ohio on the Ministerial Committee with the years of their 
service. 

1911. J. C. Bright, Sylvan Bookwalter, C. L. Flory. 

1912. Sylvan Bookwalter, J. C. Bright, C. L. Flory. 

1913. J. C. Bright, C. L. Flory, J. O. Garst. 

1914. C. L. Flory, J. O. Garst, B. F. Sharp. 

1915. J. O. Garst, B. F. Sharp, S. Z. Smith. 

1916. B. F. Sharp, S. Z. Smith, J. O. Garst. 

1917. S. Z. Smith. J. O. Garst, B. F. Sharp. 

1918. J. O. Garst, B. F. Sharp, S. Z. Smith. 

1919. B. F. Sharp, S. Z. Smith, Sylvan Bookwalter. 

The appended statistics give a concise compendium of informa- 
tion relating to our ministry in the eldership and the churches under 
their charge as reported to the District Meeting on May 8, 1919. A 
few, not reported, have been inserted. 



NAME OF 
CHURCH 











-G 






m 




C 






W 




o 


CO 








£ 


i) 




Uh 






£i 










S 


CO 


a 


co 


a 




J3 








s 


■C 

cd 

<v 




»j 




3 


c 


a 


o 


J3 


s 


a 


X 


U 


0, 


< 



RESIDENT 
ELDERS 



ELDER IN 
CHARGE 



Ash Grove . . 
Beech Grove . 

Brookville . . . 
Bear Creek . . 

Beaver Creek 
Bradford 

Cincinnati . . . 



22 


1 


1 


1 


2 


93 


1 


1 


4 


8 


250 


2 


2 


4 


14 


155 


1 


1 


3 


6 


55 


1 


1 


2 


4 


100 




1 


3 


8 


12 


1 


1 


1 


8 



F. P. Cordier 

N. Groff 
A. A. Petry 
J. H. Baker 

J.W.Fidler 

J. W. Beeghly 
H.H Eby 
P. M. Filbrun 

A. Coy 

J. M. Stover 
S. Porter 

R. N. Leatherman 



J.A.Guthrie 
S. Bookwalter 

J W.Fidler 
J. W Beeghly 

A. Coy 

J. M. Stover 

J. W. Fidler 



316 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



NAME OF 
CHURCH 



RESIDENT 
ELDERS 



ELDER IN 
CHARGE 



Covington 

Circleville . 
Casstown . 



Charleston 
Constance . 



Donnel's Creek. 

Eversole 

East Dayton . . . 



Fort McKinley 
Greenville .... 



Harris Creek 

Loramie 

IvOwer Stillwater 
Ludlow 



Lexington . . . 
Lower Miami 



Middletown. . . . 
Marble Furnace 

May Hill 

Middle District. 



525 

20 
12 
34 



100 

158 

92 

145 
200 

180 

55 

120 

225 

' 10 
125 

70 

15 

6 

90 



1 5 S 

1 
1 



D. D. Wine, J. Groff, 
G. Mohler, I. Frantz 

O. Royer 



J. D. Sandy 

C. Funderburg 

S. Horning 
J. H. Root 
J. A. R. Couser 
E. Brumbaugh 

A. L. Klepinger 

D. C. Stutsman 

G. W. Minnich 
A. D. Coate 
A. Brumbaugh 
I. J. Rosenberger 

D. G. Berkebile 

U. R. McCorkle 

A. W. Oren 

Jesse Stutsman 
N. W. Binkley 
J. W. Rodgers 



J. O. Garst 
J. Noffsinger 



Van B. Wright 

Van B. Wright 

J. P. Miller 
C. V. Coppock 



Care of A. M. Com. 

I. G. Blocher 
J. B. Gump 

J. W. Fidler 
J. D. Sandy 

J. H. Root 
J. O. Garst 

D. M. Garver 

G. W. Minnich 

Chas. L. Flory 
Chas. L. Flory 
L. A. Bookwalter 
S. A. Blessing 

J. O. Garst 
J. O. Garst 

J. O. Garst 

J. O. Garst 

J. O. Garst 

J. P. Miller 
C. V. Coppock 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



317 



NAME OF 
CHURCH 



RESIDENT 
ELDERS 



ELDER IN 
CHARGE 



New Carlisle 



North Star 

Oakland 

Palestine 

Pleasant Valley . 

Painter Creek . . 



Pleasant Hill . 
Price's Creek 



Poplar Grove 



Rush Creek. . . 

Sugar Hill 

Straight Creek 
Salem 



Stone Lick . 
Sidney 
Springfield 
Troy 



240 



1 1 



235 
60 

78 

203 

235 

290 



170 



35 

130 

35 

425 

25 

170 

90 

80 



6 10 



A. Neher 

D. S. Dredge 
J. Eidemiller 

D. D. Funderburg 

H. M. Baker 

J. W. Eikenberry 

R. M. Lantis 

F J Weimer 
David Minnich 

L. Kreider 
Wm. Royer 

J A. Robinson 

J. Longanecker 
C. C. Petry 
S. Bookwalter 
G. Stump, A. Petry 
H. S. Weaver 

B. F. Sharp 
S. W. Blocher 

H. C. Longanecker 
I. G. Blocher 

N. Erbaugh 

E. B. Bagwell 

J. Horning 

Van B. Wright 

S. Snell 
Wm. Minnich 
A. H. Bucklew 

C. L. Flory 

S. P. Grossnickle 
S. Z. Smith 



D. S. Dredge 

Unreported 
Chas. L. Flory 
R. M. Lantis 
B. F. Sharp 

Wm. Royer 
L. Kreider 

Chas. L. Flory 

H. S. Weaver 



N. Erbaugh 



E. B. Bagwell 
J. F. Brubaker 
J. O. Garst 
Wm. Minnich 



C. V. Coppock 
S. Z. Smith 
J. O. Garst 
I. G. Blocher 



318 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



NAME OF 
CHURCH 











x 






1) 




c 


E 




cd 




o 


XI 




e 






G 

V 




V, 


03 




3 


01 


C 


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43 


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U 


c- 


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RESIDENT 
ELDERS 



ELDER IN 
CHARGE 



Union City. 
Upper Twin 



West Dayton 
West Milton. 



W 7 est Charleston. 
White Oak 



175 


1 


1 


5 


6 


131 


2 


2 


6 


12 


180 


3 


3 


5 


10 


312 


1 


1 


4 


8 


140 


1 


1 


3 


6 


140 


1 


1 


2 


8 


10 


1 


1 


2 





D. M. Carver 

E. Shank 
W. Swinger 

C. M. Bantz 

Ezra Noffsinger 
W. K. Simmons 

A. Brubaker 
J. F. Deaton 

B. F. Petry 

D. Hodgden 
D. F. Warner 

J. K. Brumbaugh 
S. A. Blessing 

J. Coppock 

R. C. Davidson 



D. M. Garver 

B. F. Sharp 
A. Brubaker 

D. F. Warner 

S. A. Blessing 

J. Coppock 
J. O. Garst 






(8) 
The Educational Work 

THE organization of the Church of the Brethren was a result of 
religious agitation, by leaders in thought and learning. 
Alexander Mack was a writer of no little importance. His 
poetical efforts lately translated into English by Brother S. B. 
Heckman, breathe a spirit of devotion we may well emulate. Chris- 
topher Sower, founder of the great Sower Publishing House, was a 
pioneer writer and publisher of works and periodicals. He printed 
the first Bibles published in America. When the American army oc- 
cupied Philadelphia and Germantown during the Revolutionary war, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 319 

their cavalry used the yet unbound printed pages to litter their horses 
stabled on his premises. After their departure, he gathered and 
sorted out enough to bind several complete Bibles. These must have 
been precious in his sight, for he with others suffered much for their 
non-resistant principles. 

After the Revolutionary War, the brethren came over the Alle- 
gheny Mountains and down the rivers of their western slopes in the 
fertile Ohio valleys, then without roads, schools or churches. Their 
children grew up without even the rudiments of an education, except 
such as their parents were able to give them. There was no public 
school system. Soon subscription schools began to appear. Some 
one with more or less book learning, usually coming from the east 
rented or erected a log cabin and taught the children whose parents 
were able to pay so much a month or quarter, for tuition. The 
teacher boarded around in the homes of the pupils, usually a week at 
a place. The text books were few. They learned to read from the 
Bible, a Life of Washington, Peter Parley's History or any stray 
book found among the household effects of the pioneer. Elder L. 
A. Bookwalter has in his possession, a German-English Grammar once 
owned by his great-grandfather, Joseph Cripe, that was printed in 
Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1791. Writing was taught by means of 
pens made from goose quills, dipped in ink made from the juice of 
pokeberries or indigo. 

Into these primitive schools we find our church people entering 
with an eagerness begotten of the church fathers. As early as 1820, 
Elder Christian Frantz, as a young man, was teaching school at Don- 
nel's Creek. Also Elder David Brumbaugh at Bear Creek. Many 
of our leaders and ministers had more or less experience in teaching. 
Their advancement was largely due to individual efforts and close 
application. While Southern Ohio has no college of the church 
within its borders, it enjoys the distinction of having been the first or 
nearly so at least, to conceive the establishment of such a school. 
Elder James Quinter, remembering his own early struggles to acquire 
an education, long fostered the idea of a school under the control of 
the Brethren where the youth of the church might be educated, sur- 
rounded by the influences of gospel Christianity The brethren of 
the Fall Creek congregation purchased a good brick building, erected 
for an academy, in New Vienna, on the borders of Clinton and High- 



320 



History of the Church of the Prethren 



land counties, near what is now the Lexington Church. Elder Quin- 
ter moved his family to this place and with other brethren and sisters 
as assistant teachers opened the school, October 14, 1861. It con- 
tinued for three years with a reasonable degree of success, though 
begun under unfavorable circumstances and much opposition. Among 
others, Elder Landon West and Oliver Yount were students in this 
school. It was closed June 27, 1864, owing to the disturbed condi- 
tion of the country by the Civil War. 

The termination of the school at New Vienna did not lessen the 
interest of some in higher education or still the opposition of others. 




Manchester College. 

This college is owned and controlled by the State Districts of Ohio, 
Indiana and Michigan. 



This position among elders and leaders continued, culminating in the 
"Miami Resolutions" of August 24, 1881, a leading point therein be- 
ing opposition to high schools. The local opportunites affording 
advanced learning did not satisfy those who felt that religious in- 
fluences should pervade intellectual development. Huntingdon 
(Juniata) and Mount Morris schools were rapidly coming to the front 
and being attended a term or more by many from Southern Ohio. By 
1889 educational sentiment had so grown that at the District Meeting 
in the Oakland Church, two papers were presented asking for the estab- 
lishment of a Brethern school in Southern Ohio. District Meeting 



of the Southern District of Ohio 321 

approved of the movement as an individual enterprise, so long as con- 
ducted in accordance with the principles and practices of the church. 
A meeting was soon convened which developed a strong sentiment 
for establishing a church school in Southern Ohio. Committees on 
corporation, and on location were appointed, but at the District Meet- 
ing of 1890, when the reports were made, the whole proposition was 
postponed indefinitely. The responsibility for this failure rested with 
those who instigated the opposition. 

In 1895 Manchester College, Indiana, came under the control of 
the Brethren and soon drew heavily from Southern Ohio, both in 
student patronage and financial support. In 1902 District Meeting 
accepted representation on the board of managers, electing L. A. 
Bookwalter as her first member of the trustee board serving until 1907. 
Southern Ohio now acted in full participation with the other state 
districts of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, in the management and sup- 
port of Manchester College. Jacob Coppock, (1907-1913), J. Frank- 
lin Brubaker, (1913-1916) and J. C. Bright, (1916-1919) have served 
on the board of trustees. Levi Minnich ( 1919) is the present in- 
cumbent of that office from Southern Ohio. This District has also 
been a strong support to Bethany Bible School, Chicago, Illinois. 
Under these influences, a constantly increasing stream of young 
people, who have received their inspiration and development in these 
institutions, are annually added to the working forces of the church 
in Southern Ohio. 



mmmmmmm 

( j)iaj leg) { ey> ) ( cya ) ( eyo ) ( cyo ) Iqpj 

The Temperance Work 

THE District of Southern Ohio has always been in harmony with 
the organization of the church in her stand for temperance 
in the broadest sense — temperance in all things that are right 
and useful and a total abstinence from all things that are wrong and 
harmful. As early as 1781 our church put herself on record as op- 



322 History of the Church of the Brethren 

posed to any kind of tampering with the liquor business. Additional 
opposing measures followed. There were mainly on the defensive. 
Since 1908 we have been on the offensive. Since that date the church 
has maintained a general temperance committee of three members. 
It also required a district temperance committee of three members 
and a local committee in each congregation. 

At the District Meeting, May 11, 1911, Isaac Frantz, L. A. Book- 
waiter and Levi Minnich were appointed as the District temperance 
committee. Isaac Frantz has been succeeded by E. E. Brumbaugh 
as chairman of the committee. The district temperance committee 
has endeavored to make itself helpful to the district in the conducting 
of temperance campaigns, as well as in the election of members to the 
legislature who will by their influence and votes support the dry cause. 
L. A. Bookwalter has rendered much effective service as field secre- 
tary. Levi Minnich has been serving as secretary-treasurer. Usually 
two communications and sample copies of the most helpful literature 
obtainable were- mailed to each local committee annually and fre- 
quently to Sunday-school superintendents and ministers. These were 
urged to supply their respective congregations with such literature as 
developed a healthy temperance sentiment. 

Each congregation was asked to have one or more temperance 
sermons or lectures annually as well as an occasional temper- 
ance program. Each Sunday school was urged to use the quarterly 
temperance lessons to the best possible advantage and to use the of- 
ferings taken on these days to support the temperance cause. The 
results of these lessons as well as the teaching of the injurious effects 
of liquor- in our public schools has helped to sway many communities 
and states into the dry column. It is pleasing to observe how some 
of the principles of the early church, at first decidedly unpopular, 
have become state and national laws. The prohibition sentiment's 
growth in Ohio is evidenced by the following: In 1914 the wet 
majority was 84,152. In 1915 it was 55,408. In 1917 it was 1,137. 
In 1918 there was a dry majority of more than 25.000, while in 1919 
Ohio reaffirmed a desire to remain dry by 41,853. It is also gratify- 
ing to the church to know that her prayers during these long years 
have been suddenly answered, not only by the voters of Ohio but by 
the United States when early in 1919 nearly every state in the union 
ratified the Federal Dry Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture 



of the Southern District of Ohio 323 

and sale of alcoholic liquors as a beverage. At the District Meet- 
ing of 1919, the temperance committee closed their report with these 
ringing words. 

"While there has been great progress in banishing King Alcohol 
during the past year, we have suffered some loss along other lines. 
The cigaret, condemned as being next to alcohol in the destruction 
of the manhood of America, seemingly lost its poisonous effects during 
the war. Friends of the weed pressed their claims that 'Tobacco would 
help win the war.' Many organizations that had been active in op- 
posing its use lowered their bars rather than be accused of being un- 
patriotic. It seemed that all opposition suddenly had vanished. The 
price of the commodity rose to new record prices. Notwithstand- 
ing the unprecedented word shortage of food, and people starving in 
some parts of the world in great numbers, for the sake of mammon 
the acreage of tobacco was greatly increased. Now that the war is 
over, tobacco is again banned as a poison and churches, temperance 
societies, and some state legislatures have entered a vigorous cam- 
paign against the use of the weed." 



MM.MJ 

(10) 
The Peace Work 

THE peace loving principles of the Brethren as practiced by them 
for more than two hundred years and enunciated by the Master 
himself, the Prince of Peace, are so well understood that 
they need not be restated here. The different wars in which our 
country has become engaged at various times have always been sea- 
sons of anxiety to our church in Southern Ohio Especially was 
this true of the Civil War, not so much so, however, as it was to our 
•brethren in the more southern states, such as Virginia, the advance 
posts of the Federal and Confederate armies and alternately overrun 
by both. We suffered no such dire calamity as came to them, when 
their noble leader, Elder John Kline, the moderator of the Annual Con- 



324 History of the Church of the Brethren 

f erence held in the Bear Creek Church, Ohio, but two years before, 
was shot and killed by an assassin in the bush, June 15, 1864, as he was 
riding home from the blacksmith shop where he had just shod his 
favorite riding horse "Nell" that had carried him thousands of miles on 
missions of peace and love. The drafted Brethren in Ohio escaped 
violating their conscience by the payment of money and fines which 
they were quite willing to do. As our people are largely a rural folk, 
this left them in the peaceful pursuit of tilling the soil and providing 
food for a devestated, destitute country, which they believe it is their 
duty to do in times of stress, working in a helpful, constructive and 
not destructive way. 

Our Brethren are an industrious, energetic, law-abiding, peaceful, 
patriotic people. In times of war, it is perplexing to know how best 
to manifest that love to their God and country in a tactful way that 
they be not misunderstood by their fellow countrymen who have given 
the Brethren's lofty and noble convictions little consideration. The 
Spanish American war affected our people little, which fact, with 
the world-wide propaganda that there never would be another great 
war, the nations being too intelligent for such, lulled some of our 
people to sleep in the belief that there would never be another such 
great catastrophe, forgetting the Scripture, "even unto the end shall be 
war." Suddenly, as it seemed, out of a clear sky, the world war con- 
flagration began, into the vortex of which our own beloved country 
was later drawn. 

Though the war is ended, its throbbings still thrill the heart of 
those who have lived through it. The Selective Draft Act compelled 
all men of certain ages to register. Those registering that were 
physically and mentally sound, were compelled to go to military camps 
for training. In Southern Ohio, this was Camp Sherman, near Chil- 
licothe. At first our people were much alarmed as to what would 
be required of our young brethren, but the Government generously 
recognized them as noncombatant people and assigned them duties 
in the camp of a nonmilitary nature such as the field hospital, etc., 
which they could do without compromising their religious vows. The 
uncertainty of events however led to a call of a Special District. 
Meeting, August 29, 1917, at Brookville, Ohio. 

This meeting in its speeches and message to the President, certi- 
fied our willingness to the continuation of the policy of constructive 



of the Southern District of Ohio 325 

work, and appointed a District Service committee, to look after the 
wants of our young brethren of the draft age and visit Camp Sher- 
man. The committee consisted of Elders J. C. Bright, J. W. Fidler 
and C. L. Flory. Elders D. M. Garver and J. W. Fidler paid the 
first visit to Camp Sherman, September 18, 1917, the day before the 
first boys went to camp. It was realized at once the need of some 
one ministering to the boys in this new environment and several 
brethren paid them helpful visits but soon Elder R. N. Leatherman, 
of Cincinnati, was given this duty, which he faithfully continued 
throughout the war, to the great appreciation of the boys. 

A special Annual Conference was held at Goshen, Indiana, Janu- 
ary 9, 1918, but outside of stimulating the giving to the Red Cross, 
Y. M. C. A., Friends Relief Work, and through our own Service com- 
mittee, and the advice of careful cultivation of our fields, laboring 
with our hands, raising only such crops that contribute to the real 
necessities of life, and practicing greater economy in using food, fuel 
and clothing (all of which things we had been doing to the utmost in 
Southern Ohio, having never realized before how much we could give 
to others and how little we needed for ourselves) this Conference had 
little effect on the situation here. The prayers of God's people were 
suddenly answered by the cessation of hostilities in the fall of 1918. 
About this time, influenza invaded almost every home in Southern 
Ohio and all realized their dependence on an omnipotent God as 
never before. The agony and anguish of these years are too recent 
to chronicle, but will be remembered for many decades. 



mmmmmmm 

LggJ IqpJ Ljgj <<*>) [<x>J 1*0 (.«igj 



CHAPTER X. 



Special Meetings 



wmmmMMm 




Old Hay Homestead. 

This is three miles west of Trotwood where some very early Special Meet- 
ings of general importance, as well as the Annual Meeting of 1862, were held. 



a) 

The Assembly 

THE Assembly is of recent origin. The District Meeting of 
1919 passed the following: "In view of the manifest need of 
more time in our Ministerial and Sunday-school Meetings for 
the discussion of their great problems and the addition of other impor- 
tant features (vocal music, peace principles, etc.), will not this Dis- 
trict Meeting advise prolonging their duration?" It was also de- 
cided that a committee of three, Jacob Coppock for three years, D. G. 
Berkebile for two years, and Levi Minnich for one year, act in con- 
junction with the Missionary, Sunday-school, Temperance, and Aid 
Society secretaries as an executive board to arrange for and manage 
the Assembly. It will be observed that the Assembly is the out- 
growth of the Ministerial, Educational and Sunday-school Meetings 
held in the past. Through action of the District Meeting of 1891, 
the Ministerial Meeting came into existence. The committee to ar- 
range for the first meeting were Henry Frantz, I. B. Trout, David 
Filbrun, W. K. Simmons, and A. G. Crosswhite. For nearly three 
decades, these meetings proved to be an annual source of inspiration 
to the ministry of Southern Ohio. During these years, the meetings 
occupied one day in the month of August and were held in most of 
the larger congregations of the District. After the starting of the 
Sunday-school Meeting they were with but few exceptions at the same 
place, and always on the day preceding. The program committee 
was changed yearly with the exception of the secretary, and the sub- 
jects considered covered a wide field of thought. The Educational 
Meetings were authorized by the District Meeting of 1910, and were 
held each year on February 22, until 1913, when the District Meeting 
granted them to be held on the evening between the Ministerial and 
Sunday-school Meeting. The main feature of these meetings was an 
address by some one from our colleges or connected with our educa- 



330 History of the Church of the Brethren 

tional committees. In 1896, the Annual Conference appointed a Sun- 
day-school advisory committee. 

In 1898 Conference passed a measure advising each State District 
to appoint a District Sunday-school secretary whose duty it was to 
inspire the Sunday schools of the District and to siapply the Sunday- 
school advisory committee with such statistics and other information 
as the committee may ask, (Article 16, 1898). At the District Meet- 
ing of 1899 Levi Minnich was appointed. At the same meeting a 
query from the Sidney congregation was passed asking for the hold- 
ing of a Sunday-school Meeting somewhere in Southern Ohio, in 1899, 
as authorized by the Annual Conference of 1897 (Article 7). The 
following brethren were appointed to act with the District Sunday- 
school secretary as a committee on program : Wra. Simmons, Henry 
Longanecker, N. W. Erbaugh and Daniel L. Kinsel. After the Dis- 
trict secretary, through much perseverance and effort, had collected 
statistics from every Brethren Sunday school in the District, the com- 
mittee met and decided to hold the first Sunday-school Meeting of the 
District in the Louver Stillwater congregation, Wednesday, August 30, 
1899. 

The large attendance of Sunday-school workers and the practi- 
cal and helpful features of the addresses convinced all that these 
gatherings should be an annual affair. For a score of years these 
conventions have proven to be a sort of oases for the workers of the 
District. In 1920, Southern Ohio had fifty-five Sunday schools with 
an enrollment of 7,723, an average attendance of 4,458, 350 accessions 
to the church and nearly $13,000 collected. It is interesting to note 
that at nearly every convention within the last decade an 
overflow meeting was held to accommodate those who could not gain 
entrance, though the greater part of these meetings were held in large 
and commodious church houses. The following are the places where 
District conventions have been held : Lower Stillwater, 1899, Upper 
Stillwater, 1900, Sugar Grove and Pleasant Hill, 1901, Salem, 
1902, Pitsburg, 1903, Wolf Creek near Brookville, 1904, Lower Miami, 
1905, Poplar Grove, 1906, Sugar Hill, 1907, Oakland, 1908, Trotwood, 
1909, Bear Creek, 1910, Poplar Grove, 1911, Salem, 1912, Covington, 
1913, West Milton, 1914, West Charleston, 1915, Painter Creek, 1916, 
Eversole, 1917, New Carlisle, 1918. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 331 

Following are the names of those who have served as District 
secretaries: Levi Minnich, 1898 to 1908; Chas. L. Flory, 1908 to 
1913; John Eikenberry, 1913 to 1916; Ira G. Blocher, 1916 to present 
time. Those who served as assistant district secretaries are Ruther- 
ford Nicodemus, Adah Baker, Edward Miller and Cyrus Funder- 
burg. Out of these annual conventions sprang a number of other ■ 
activities. The first of these was an aggressive missionary move- 
ment. In 1902 a round-table topic "Can our Southern Ohio Sunday 
schools support a Missionary in the Foreign Field?'' received a very 
earnest discussion all in favor of the affirmative. The District 
Mission Board was chosen to co-operate with the District Meeting in 
devising a plan to carry out the wishes of the Sunday schools. The 
Sunday-school Meeting of 1903 decided to make these meetings a 
delegate body. 

Schools with an average attendance of twenty-five or less are to 
be entitled to one delegate, those averaging more than twenty- 
five, two delegates. This meeting named the first Sunday of 
each month as Missionary Sunday in Southern Ohio and requested that 
all Sunday schools give the offering on that Sunday for missionary 
support, remittance to be made quarterly. It also appointed the 
District Mission Board to elect a missionary for the foreign field. 
John M. Pittenger of the Pleasant Hill congregation was chosen and 
soon after went to the India field. It was also decided to support 
four sisters in the home field with funds raised by our Sunday schools. 
The response to the call for funds was most gratifying. The Sun- 
day-school Meeting of 1910 voted to support another missionary in 
the foreign field. The choice was J. Homer Bright who went to 
the China field in 1911. The following lines are taken from the 
report of the 1912 Sunday-school Meeting. "We appreciated the let- 
ters of greeting from our missionaries whom our schools are sup- 
porting, Brother Pittenger in India and Brother Bright in China." 
Again the house proved to be too small, there being about 1,800 people 
present. Wilbur Stover and family, returned missionaries on fur- 
lough, were present and were a great inspiration to the meeting. Their 
songs in Gujerati were much appreciated by all. This was the 
largest and many think the best Sunday-school meeting ever held. 
The climax of the meeting was reached near the close when it was 
decided to support another missionary upon the foreign field. This 



332 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




*ii# 



Samuel A. Erbaugh. 
An early earnest member of the District Mission Board. 





Elder J. Homer Bright and wife. 

They were the first to go from Southern Ohio to the China Mission Field. 
He is supported by the Eversole Church, she by the Salem Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 333 



worker however was not found until 1919, when O. C. Sollenberger 
accepted the appointment and has since sailed for the China mission 
field. In addition some of the local churches of the District support 
other workers in the foreign field while quite a number of Sunday 
schools support native workers and orphans in both India and China. 
Further details may be found under the caption, "The Foreign Mis- 
sion Work.'' 

After the merging of the Ministerial, Education, and Sunday- 
school Meeting into what is known as "The Assembly," the first 
meeting under its new name, was held in the Harris Creek Church, 
August 19, 20, 21, 1919. The instructors secured for the occasion 
from outside the District were Professors Otho Winger, R. H. Nico- 
demus and Cora Stahly. The home talent responded nobly. While 
topics relating to the "Ministry" and the "Sunday School" received 
due attention, the "Sisters' Aid Society," "Christian Workers' Society" 
and "Missions" were especially emphasized. Scathing arraignment 
of the "Drink Evil and Tobacco" were given while the need of "The 
Simple Life" and "Acceptable Worship" was strongly portrayed. All 
the exercises were interspersed with soul stirring songs. The pace 
set by this inspiring first Assembly, will make it difficult for future 
Assemblies to surpass, The second Assembly, held at" Brookville, 
Ohio, August 17, 18, 19, 1920, was equally good. 

m mm m m m m 

L<3pJ ( op ) l °)f=> J (if) (.qpj (.qpJ (<^j 

(2) 
The Institute 

SOUTHERN Ohio is considered a leader in the origin and success 
of annual Sunday-school institutes. These may be said to have 
had their beginning from the discussion of a topic assigned 
to Catherine Hollinger and Charles A. Bame at the Sunday-school 
Meeting held at Salem in 1902 on "The Normal Class." The 
assigned speakers and others emphasized the importance of Sunday- 
school teachers being thoroughly prepared for their work. After 
some discussion it was decided that a committee should be appointed 



334 History of the Church of the Brethren 

to devise some plan and report to the next Sunday-school Meeting in 
1903. L. A. Bookwalter who was chairman of the convention ap- 
pointed the following committee : Jacob Coppock, David Hollinger, 
W. K. Simmons, B. F. Petry and Chas. A. Bame. Following is the 
report of the committee: (a). That semi-annual Teachers' Institutes 
be held. (b). That instruction be given in the Sunday-school lessons 
and on methods of teaching, (c). That the Sunday-school Meeting 
appoint an executive committee of three whose term of office shall 
be three years ; appointments beginning one for one year, one for two 
years and one for three years, and one new member to be elected each 
succeeding year, vacancies to be filled by the executive committee, 
(d). It shall be the duty of the executive committee to secure com- 
petent and faithful brethren or sisters for instructors and to make 
the necessary arrangements for the meeting, (e). That the executive 
committee so arrange that the first institute be held before January 
1, 1904 and said meeting to last three or four days.(f). That there 
be a place in each Sunday-school Meeting program for the discussion 
of normal work. (g). That we recommend the study of Sell's Bible 
Study by periods and Vincent's Modern Sunday School. On motion, 
the above report was passed. Jacob Coppock, Chas. A. Bame and 
Levi Minnich were appointed as the executive committee. 

At the Southern Ohio Sunday-school Meeting held in the Wolf 
Creek Church August 10, 1904, it was decided to hold the Sunday- 
school institute annually, instead of semi-annually, but for a greater 
length of time. Monday evening of holiday week has been the ac- 
cepted time for the institute to begin and to continue until the follow- 
ing Friday afternoon. These institutes have been financed by each 
school giving one liberal offering for the support of the institute each 
year with perhaps one or two offerings taken at the time of the in- 
stitute. At each institute all in attendance are asked to register their 
names, addresses and position held in Sunday school. In 1917 the 
institute convened as a delegate body as decided at 1916 institute. 
Following are the places and dates where our institutes have been 
held: 

Trotwood, Dec. 28, 29, 1903. 

Pleasant Hill, June 10, 11, 1904. 

West Milton, Dec. 27-30, 1904. 

Greenville, Dec. 25-29, 1905. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 335 

Covington, Dec. 24-28, 1906. 

Brookville, Dec. 23-27, 1907. 

New Carlisle, Dec. 28— Jan. 1, 1908. 

Trotwood, Dec. 27-31, 1909. 

Pleasant Hill, Dec. 26-30, 1910. 

Bradford, Dec. 25-29, 1911. 

Greenville, Dec. 23-27, 1912. 

Pitsburg, Dec. 22-26, 1913. 

West Dayton, Dec. 28— Jan. 1, 1914. 

Troy, Dec. 27-31. 1915. 

Pleasant Hill, Dec. 26-29, 1916. 

Poplar Grove, Dec. 24-28, 1917. 

West Dayton, Dec. 21-26, 1919. 
Those who have served on program committee are Ezra Flory, 
Jacob Coppock, Charles Bame, David Hollinger, Charles Flory, Levi 
Minnich, Allen Weimer, and John Eikenberry. On account of in- 
fluenza, no institute was held in 1918. The following instructors 
from outside our District, have assisted at one or more of our in- 
stitutes : T. S. Moherman, M. R. Myers, P. B. Fitzwater, F. F. Hol- 
sopple, A. C. Wieand, I. B. Trout, J. S. Flory. James Moore, Otho 
Winger, S. S. Blough, Ezra Flory, S. B. Heckman, H. K. Ober, Cora 
M. Stanley, E. B. Hoff and J. E. Miller. All brought inspiring mes- 
sages. 



(3) 
The District Meeting 

IN addition to Annual Meetings, a number of General Meetings 
were held in different States in the fourth, fifth and sixth 
decades of the nineteenth century, some by consent of the pre- 
vious Annual Meeting, some otherwise. They were concerned largely 
in local matters. Ohio had three; in 1820, 1835, and 1840 or 1844. 
Indiana in 1848. Illinois in 1851, and some in other States. Men 



336 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



are named in different States as the Father of the District Meeting 
idea. Thus, Elder Grabill Meyers, of Pennsylvania, Elder John 
Kline of Virginia, Elder D. P. Sayler of Maryland, Elder John Metz- 
ger of Indiana, and Elder Peter Nead, of Ohio. Suffice it to say that 
the first District Meeting held in Ohio was in the Bear Creek Church 
in 1858, six miles west of Dayton. Elder Nead was the acknowl- 
edged leader in Southern Ohio and he was the Moderator and reader 
for many years. The secretary of the 1858 meeting was Elder 
Henry Kurtz of the eastern part of the State. Elders Henry Rub- 
som and Thomas Major were the scribes until Elder James Quinter 
moved to the Miami Valley in 1866 when he was the clerk as long as 
he remained in the District. Previous to 1868, the members of the 
standing committee were chosen by the elders of the congrega- 
tion in which the Annual Meeting was held. Since this the District 
could elect some one of their number to serve on the standing com- 
mittee and when organized, the committee could elect some one 
outside of their number if they preferred, who could serve as clerk, 
etc. This accounts in part for Elder Quinter's name appearing so 
frequently in the list below in addition to the name of the other mem- 
ber from this District, as he served the Annual Conference repeatedly 
as clerk. Since Southern Ohio has far exceeded the thirty-five 
hundred mark in membership required for two delegates, it has sent 
two since 1904. 

The following elders served on the standing committee from 
Southern Ohio, before the dawn of the District Meeting: John Hart in 
1841, 1843, 1848, and 1850, (several of the latter probably from 
Indiana where he died). John Brower in 1843 and 1850, John Cable 
in 1843, Michael Moyer in 1848, Daniel Miller in 1853 and Peter 
Nead in 1849, 1850 and 1856. The following have served since, be- 
ginning with the first District Meeting with their officers down to 
date: 



DATE 



PLACE AND MODER- 
ATOR 



READING AND WRITING 
CLERKS 



DELEGATES AT 
ANNUAL 
MEETING 



1858 



1859 



Bear Creek 
Peter Nead 



Wolf Creek 
Peter Nead 



Peter Nead 
Henry Kurtz 

Peter Nead 
Henry Rubsom 
Thomas Maior 



Peter Nead, 
John Brower 
Daniel Miller 

None 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



337 



DATE 


PLACE AND MODER- 
ATOR 


READING AND WRITING 
CLERKS 


DELEGATES AT 
ANNUAL 
MEETING 


1860 


Lower Stillwater 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Henry Rubsom 
Thomas Major 


Peter Nead 


1861 


Hickory Grove 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Henry Rubsom 
Thomas Major 


Daniel Miller 


1862 


Sugar Grove 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Henry Rubsom 
Thomas Major 


John Brower 
James Quinter 


1863 


Donnel's Creek 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Henry Rubsom 
Thomas Major 


Daniel Miller 
James Quinter 


1864 


Upper Stillwater 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Henry Rubsom 
Thomas Major 


James Quinter 


1865 


Lower Twin 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Thomas Major 


Peter Nead 


1866 


Upper Stillwater 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
Thomas Major 


None 


1867 


Lower Miami 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


Joseph Risser 
James Quinter 


1868 


Ludlow 
Peter Nead 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


Daniel Miller 
Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


1869 


Palestine 
H. D. Davy 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


Peter Nead 
H. D. Davy 


1870 


Sugar Grove 
H. D. Davy 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


H. D. Davy 
James Quinter 


1871 


Beaver Creek 
H. D. Davy 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


H. D. Davy 

James Quinter 


1872 


Bear Creek 
H. D. Davy 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


H. D. Davy 
James Quinter 


1873 


Wolf Creek 
H. D. Davy 


Peter Nead 
James Quinter 


H. D. Davy 
James Quinter 


1874 


Lower Stillwater 
H. D. Davy 


Peter Nead 
S. Kinsey 


H. D. Davy 


1875 


Hickory Grove 
H. D. Davy 

S. Garber 


Peter Nead 
S. Kinsey 


H. D. Davy 



338 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





DATE 


PLACE AND MODER- 
ATOR 


READING AND WRITING 
CLERKS 


DELEGATES AT 

ANNUAL 
MEETING 


1876 


Harris Creek 
H. D. Davy 


A. Flory 

S. Kinsey 


H. D. Davy 


1877 


Oakland 
S. Garber 


. A. Flory 
S. Kinsey 


S. Garber 


1878 


Upper Twin 
S. Garber 


A. Flory 

S. Kinsey 


S. Garber 


1879 


Donnel's Creek 
J. Kauffman 


S. Garber 
S Kinsey 


A. Flory 


1880 


Lower Stillwater 
J. Kauffman 


S. Garber 
S. Kinsey 


J. Kauffman 


1881 


Sugar Grove 
J. Kauffman 


S. Garber 
S. Kinsey 


J Kauffman 


1882 


Salem 

J. Kauffman 


S. Mohler 
J. Stutsman 


J. Kauffman 


1883 


Lower Twin 
J. Kauffman 


J.Smith 
J. Stutsman 


J. Smith 


1884 


Middle District 
J. Kauffman 


J.Smith 
J. Stutsman 


J. Garber 


1885 


Ludlow 

J. Kauffman 


J. Smith 
L. West 


J. Kauffman 


1886 


Upper Stillwater 
J. Kauffman 


J. Stutsman 
L. West 


J. Smith 


1887 


Price's Creek 
J. Smith 


J. Stutsman 
L. West 


J. Stutsman 


1888 


Palestine 
J.Smith 


J. Stutsman 
L. West 


L. West 


1889 


Oakland 
J.Smith 


J. Stutsman 
L. West 


J. Stutsman 


1890 


B ar Creek 
J. Smith 


J Stutsman 

I. J. Rosenberger 


J. Smith 


1891 


Wolf Creek 
J. Smith 


J. Stutsman 
I.J. Rosenberger 


J. Smith 


1892 


Lexington 
H. Frantz 


J. Stutsman 
I.J. Rosenberger 


I. J. Rosenber- 
ger 


1893 


Sugar Grove 
H. Frantz 


J. Stutsman 
J. C. Bright 


H. Frantz 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



339 



DATE 


PLACE AND MODER- 
ATOR 


READING AND WRITING 
CLERKS 


DELEGATES AT 

ANNUAL 
MEETING 


1894 


Union City 
H. Frantz 


J. Stutsman 
J. C. Bright 


Tobias Kreider 


1895 


Salem 
H. Frantz 


J. Stutsman 
J. C. Bright 


H. Frantz 


1896 


Donnel's Creek 
I. J. Rosenberger 


D. S. Filbrun 
D. M. Garver 


W. K. Simmon3 


1897 


Lower Twin 
I.J. Rosenberger 


L. A. Bookwalter 
D. M. Garver 


H. Frantz 


1898 


Lower Stillwater 
J. C. Bright 


D. S. Filbrun 
L. A. Bookwalter 


J. C. Bright 


1899 


Ludlow 
J. C. Bright 


D. M. Garver 
L. A. Bookwalter 


W. K. Simmons 


1900 


Upper Stillwater 
I.J. Rosenberger 


D. M. Garver 
J. C. Bright 


J. C. Bright 


1901 


Price's Creek 
I. J. Rosenberger 


L. A. Bookwalter 
J. C. Bright 


I. J. Rosenber- 
ger 


1902 


Fort McKinley 
I J. Rosenberger 


L. A. Bookwalter 
J. C. Bright 


No delegate, 
"Home" meet- 
ing 


1902 


Upper Twin 
J. C. Bright 


L. A. Bookwalter 
D. M. Garver 


J. C. Bright 


1903 


Oakland 

L. A. Bookwalter 


D. S. Filbrun 
D. M. Garver 


L. A. Bookwal- 
ter 


1904 


Ludlow 
J. C. Bright 


D. Hollinger 
J. Stutsman 


J. C. Bright 
D. M. Garver 


1905 


Poplar Grove 
I.J. Rosenberger 


D. M. Garver 
D. S Filbrun 


I. J. Rosenber- 
ger 
D. S. Filbrun 


1906 


Wolf Creek 
J.C Bright 


D. Hollinger 
J. Stutsman 


J. C. Bright 
J. Stutsman 


1907 


Hickory Grove 
D. M. Garver 


B. F. Petry 

L. A. Bookwalter 


D. M. Garver 
I.J. Rosenber- 
ger 


1908 


Salem 

J. C. Bright 


D. Hollinger 
J. W Fidler 


J. C. Bright 
D. Hollinger 


1909 


Lower Miami 
D. M. Garver 


D. S. Filbrun 
B. F. Petry 


D. M. Garver 
D. S. Filbrun 


1910 


Donnel's Creek 
J. C. Bright 


J. W. Fidler 
D. Hollinger 


J. C. Bright 
D. Hollinger 



340 



History of the Church of the Brethren 





DATE 


PLACE AND MODER- 
ATOR 


READING AND WRITING 
CLERKS 


DELEGATES AT 

ANNUAL 
MEETING 


1911 


Upper Twin 
D. M. Garver 


L. A. Bookwalter 
D. S. Filbrun 


D. M. Garver 
D. S. Filbrun 


1912 


Lud ow 
J. C. Bright 


J. W. Fidler 
B. F. Petry 


J. C. Bright 
B. F. Petry 


1913 


Trotwood 
D. S. Filbrun 


S. A. Blessing 
L. A. Bookwalter 


D. M. Garver 
J. W. Fidler 


1914 


Poplar Grove 
J. C. Bright 


D. M. Garver 
J. W. Fidler 


J. C. Bright 
D. Hollinger 


1915 


Harris Creek 

L. A. Bookwalter 


S. A. Blessing 
D. H. Keller 


D. M. Garver 
J. W. Fidler 


1916 


Brookville 
D. M. Garver 


S. Z. Smith 
B. F. Petry 


J. C. Bright 
D. H. Keller 


1917 


West Milton 
J. C. Bright 


J. W. Fidler 
C. L. Flory 


D. M. Garver 
J. W. Fidler 


1917 


Brookville 
J. C. Bright 


J. W. Fidler 
C. L. Flory 


No delegate, 
"Peace" Meet'g 


1918 


Fort McKinley 
D. M. Garver 


S. A. Blessing 
S. Z. Smith 


S. A. Blessing 
B. F. Petry 


1919 


Pleasant Hill 
J. W. Fidler 


L. A. Bookwalter 
C. L. Flory 


J. W. Fidler 
D. M. Garver 


1920 


Salem 

D. M. Garver 


S. A. Blessing 
S. Z. Smith 


S. A. Blessing 
L. A. Bookwal- 
ter 


1921 


Eversole 
J. W. Fidler 


L. A. Bookwalter 
C. L. Flory 


J. W. Fidler 
D. M.. Garver 



of the Southern District of Ohio 341 

m m m m m m m 

LieJ LseJ beJ LagJ LsieJ IqgJ (Je J 

(4) 

The Annual Meeting 

ANNUAL Meetings early found a place in Southern Ohio. A 
Special Conference was held in 1820 concerning remission of 
sins before or after baptism. The actors are forgotten, the place 
is hidden, but the doctrine was confirmed as the Brethren have ever 
held it. In 1835 a large Special Meeting was held on the old Hay 
farm, ten miles west of Dayton near the village of Amity. This re- 
lated largely to the Landisites, or as they legalized themselves, Chris- 
tian Brethren. This was near the home of Elder Michael Landis, 
their leader. In 1840, or 1844 as some think, another large Special Con- 
ference was held at the same place to consider the growing questions 
of the contents of the Lord's Supper, and the taking of interest. 

However the first real Annual Meeting in Southern Ohio was 
held in 1850 on the Brumbaugh-Bowman farm ten miles west of Day- 
ton. This was largely attended. There were fields full of vehicles. 
Everything as free as air. Isaac Bright, a struggling young minis- 
ter, had a crib of corn nearby and only through the thoughtfulness of 
a brother, who nailed it shut, was he saved any for his own use. It 
was the largest meeting held in Montgomery County up to this time, 
excepting the "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" Meeting of 1840. Per- 
haps twenty thousand people were there. The brotherhood, the 
neighborhood, and the county were well represented. Elder George 
Hoke was Moderator. He had the meeting well in hand. When 
any one was out of order, Moderator Hoke would ask him if he was 
through. Benjamin Bowman, Daniel Summer and David Hardman 
were the clerks. These were all experienced brethren. Both the 
German and English languages were used, the German being the pre- 
vailing one in the Bear Creek congregation, where the meeting was 
held. Hence the interpreters were kept busy and that office was 
well filled by F. P. Loehr. There were nine members on the general 



342 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Henry Dorsey Davy. 

He served as Moderator of the Annual Conferences from 1865 to 1876 con- 
secutively. He was said to be the most dignified and efficient chairman 
that ever swayed the scepter over an Annual Meeting. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 343 

committee assisted by ten others. Twelve sub-committees were 
used. Among the brethren who served on these committees from 
Southern Ohio were Rudolph Mohler, Abraham Flory, Daniel Miller, 
Abraham Erbaugh, Thomas Major, James Kelso and John Brower. 
Elders Peter Nead and John Brower were on the standing committee. 
In all forty-four queries were answered and put on the minutes. Among 
the most important was the question of publishing "The Gospel Visit- 
or" which was "laid over" until the next year, when it was granted 
and started. 

In 1862 the Conference was held on the old Hay farm. This 
home and house has been the place of three Conferences of the 
Brethren, the Special Conference of 1835, 1840 or 1844, and 
now the General Conference of 1862. The House was built in 1830 
and is in good repair. The size is 44x30 feet. The south room is 
26x12, the other room 24x16 in which the standing committee met. 
The whole house could be thrown open together for public preaching. 
The home has become the property of Brother Plorace Greely Pfoutz. 
The Annual Meeting of 1862 was large. The concourse on Pentecost 
numbered thirty thousand or over, in a week of the finest weather. 
The elders of the local church chose the standing committee. These 
elders were Abraham Erbaugh, Joel Wogaman and Samuel Garber. 
The standing committee numbered sixteen, including the writing 
clerk. Three were from west of the Mississippi. Elder John Klme 
came across the line of battle, between the North and South and was 
Moderator. Elders D. P. Sayler and James Quinter were clerks. 
Two hundred and forty delegates, twenty sub-committees, the greatest 
number ever used at a conference. Seventy-two papers were before 
the meeting. The people were served meals by the Brethren in a 
large tent free of charge. Innumerable hucksters disposed of their 
eatables at a fine margin. 

The conference of 1875 was held in the Covington church Miami 
County, Ohio, one mile west of the village. Elder H. D. Davy was 
Moderator, with Elders Enoch Eby and James Quinter, clerks. 
Twenty-four members of standing committee. Elder Davy was 
from our District. The "Reporter Question" was the most popular 
question of the meeting. The fermented or unfermented wine 
question called out the most earnest discussion. The Editorial Su- 
pervisor of this work, remembers this as his "first" Annual Meet- 



344 History of the Church of the Brethren 

ing. Though but six years old, he distinctly recalls the large crowd 
and the fact that he slept on a couple of chairs for a bed. 

The Conference of 1884 was held at Dayton just outside of the 
corporation, on the farm of brother Moses Miller. A natural basin 
formed a good place for the standing committee platform around 
which the ground rose in every direction regularly with just the 
right ascent to form a fine amphitheater. The standing committee 
numbered thirty-one including their officers. The delegates num- 
bered two hundred and ninety-seven. Elder Enoch Eby was Moder- 
ator, Elder John Wise, reading clerk, and Elder James Quinter, 
writing clerk. Our delegate on the standing committee was Elder 





B. F. Miller Adam Minnich. 

They were both members of the old Book and Tract Committee, whose 
work first assumed prominence at the above mentioned Annual Meeting. 

Jacob Garber. The most prominent paper before the meeting, 
'The Revised Minutes" was defeated. 

The next Annual Conference in Southern Ohio, was in 1886. 
This was held in a clover field on the farm of Elder Jesse Stutsman 
in Darke County, just east of the new and thriving village of Pits- 
burg. Temporary structures and tents were put up to meet the de- 
mands of the occasion. Elder D. E. Price was Moderator, Elder 
Daniel Vaniman, reading clerk and Elder Daniel Hays,, writing clerk. 
Thirty served on the standing committee including the door keeper. 
Our member was Elder John Smith. The Book and Tract com- 
mittee made their first report. This conference decided a minority 



of the Southern District of Ohio 345 

could not rule a majority especially in Sunday-school work. This 
meeting assumed an aggressive missionary aspect from its extensive 
report. This was the last Annual Conference held in the Southern 
District of Ohio. 



w^mmiiM 



CHAPTER XL 



Divisions 



mwsmMMM 




Elder Jacob Garber and wife. 

Being one of the younger elders left loyal to the church of his choice, after 
the division, he was rapidly forced to the front in that crisis of the church 
in Southern Ohio. His prudence, kindness and conservatism seemed equal 

to any task. 



m m m m 

l^j (JgJ J3sb IzxkJ 



ffi 



(1) 

The Christian Brethren (Landisites) 

THE name Christian Brethren or Landisites came from Michael 
Landis, their leader. In 1831-33, he with some others caused 
a division. At the time he was elder in the Wolf Creek 
Church. There had been some discussion for a decade or more 
whether, on love-feast occasions, lamb meat was necessary or if beef 
would do. The lamb meat was first given the preference, but 



' "-'-.-;,..,-.. . •' 




m W 


BMP 




mtiit >^Si^PI| mm 




■ 



Interior of Old Hay Home with movable partitions where the Landisite 
situation was discussed in 1835. 



finally no difference was made. The Landisites, however, believed 
that only lamb meat would do and that the love feast should be held 
only during Passion Week. They practiced only the single mode 
of feetwashing and taught a more rigid nonconformity to the world 
than the Church of the Brethren. John Cloppert, Sr., and John 



350 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Studebaker were helpers of Michael Land is in his contentions but 
these two finally returned to the church of their first choice. 

The Special Meeting of 1835 held in the old Hay home, con- 
sidered their attitude and put them in avoidance but from which in a 
few years they were released at their own request. They never built 
houses of worship, but have members in several counties in Ohio. 
They prospered for some years then became divided among them- 
selves and have been on the decline. A number of the families after 
the first separation came back to the church and others of their mem- 
bers have united with the Church of the Brethren. They have always 
borne a good reputation for sincerity and honesty. 



m m m m m m m 

( JeJ (ieJ laeJ ly?) LaeJ (ie; lie J 

(2) 
Old German Baptist Brethren (Old Orders) 

ALL churches and organizations have some division of sentiment 
and when this becomes somewhat pronounced, Liberals and 
Radicals result. When it becomes more emphasized, 

they are sometimes denominated as Progressives and Old Orders, 
while the larger or main party remaining steadfast, are called Conserva- 
tives. This condition of affairs may lead to division and separation. 
It so happened in our own beloved fraternity of which we now write 
with reluctance, as we dip our pen in the black ink of sadness and 
sorrow of this dark, period. The Church of the Brethren was long 
a united body but some different practices grew up among us, some 
misunderstandings were cultivated, some relations strained, some 
radical and liberal ideas pressed, until we were hopelessly divided. 
A little more patient investigation, a little more careful consideration, 
and a little more listening to the wooings of the Holy Spirit, would 
have saved us all this. 

This condition of affairs culminated in 1881 and 1882. Those 
who called themselves the Old Orders wanted the practices and meth- 
ods to be practically as they were "forty years ago" or about 1840. It 



of the Southern District of Ohio 351 

would not have been consistent to have gone back to the first half of 
the century of the brotherhood in America, for then a number of 
methods objected to were in vogue. Suffice it to say that in con- 
sonance with the "forty years ago" cry, a number of elders and 
others met in the Wolf Creek Church, Ohio, October 13, 1868 to 
consider the situation. They called a general meeting for November 
13, 1868. Elder Peter Nead presented a petition which recited their 
grievances and asked for their correction and said in conclusion "that 
if this was not done many of the churches would not represent at the 
Annual Meeting." Elders James Quinter and John P. Eversole and 
Henry Kurtz criticised the petition and while many signed it, many 
more did not. 

On Easter Monday, March 29, 1869, a large meeting was held in 
the Bear Creek Church to "Adopt measures whereby the church may 
be cleansed." A supplement by the author above .was read express- 
ing disapprobation of Sunday schools, protracted meetings, prayer 
meetings, social meetings and Bible classes. Only those who were 
in sympathy were invited to the meeting and no controversy allowed. 
Copies were passed through the congregation and signed by one 
hundred and twenty-six. Perhaps over twice that number did not 
sign it. It and the petition aforesaid were sent to the Annual Meet- 
ing of 1869 where a compromise was offered and passed unanimously. 
In the early 70's another large meeting was held in the Salem Church. 
In November 25, 1879, a number of elders of the Miami Valley met 
in Salem Church to consider the present condition of the church and 
to make an effort "to remove the fast element from among us." Elder 
Samuel Garber presented "a petition from the elders of the Miami 
Valley to the District Meeting of Southern Ohio for the Annual Meet- 
ing." 

This petition recited the points named in the petition of 1868, 
with several others. Its preamble reads thus : "We offer the follow- 
ing as the remedy in our wisdom and judgment, whereby a union can 
be effected, namely: To hold and maintain the- ancient and apostolic 
order of the church in her humility, simplicity and nonconformity 
to the world. And we feel we can no longer suffer or tolerate these 
innovations in the church of Christ. The cause of the troubles must 
be removed before peace and union can be restored; and among some 
of these causes are the high schools among us, popular Sunday 



352 History of the Church of the Brethren 

schools with their conventions and celebrations, long protracted meet- 
ings and the way they are conducted, by singing revival hymns and 
giving invitations to rise and come forward ; a salaried ministry and 
the single mode of feet-washing. Now the things here named we do 
not regard as being in harmony with the spirit of the gospel, neither 
are they in harmony with the ancient and apostolic order of our 
church ; and when we speak of the ancient order of our church, we 
have reference also to nonconformity to the world, not only in dress, 
but in the building and fancy painting of our houses, barns, etc., 
after the custom of the world, the gaudy and costly finish put upon 
them, and fine furniture, etc., to set off our rooms and parlors, after 
the fashion of the world, together with fine and costly carriages, 
etc. In these things we confess that Southern Ohio has gone too 
far out of the way, and we hope, will be willing to reform and make 
and sacrifice for Jesus' sake." The petition is rather lengthy and 
goes on, giving the argument for the stand taken. It passed some 
fifteen of the churches to the District Meeting of Southern Ohio and 
was sent to the Annual Meeting of 1880, but not unitedly. At the 
Annual Meeting, a substitute answer was offered and accepted, 
Article 23, 1880. 

This not proving satisfactory to many of the elders and members 
of Southern Ohio, a call was made for a general meeting in the Wolf 
Creek Church, Ohio, for the 8th of December for those who were in 
favor of the ancient and apostolic order of the church. The. meeting 
Avas continued for three days and all the points of the petition were 
considered and sent direct to Annual Meeting while a few other points 
were sent through District Meeting. The standing committee as 
well as the Annual Meeting ruled the paper out because it had not 
come through District Meeting and passed the following article : "Re- 
solved, That the decision in regard to what is called the Miami Elders 
Petition is as near right as can be reached upon the question embodied 
in said petition, and the prosperity of the Brotherhood demands that 
said decision of Annual Meeting of 1880 remains unchanged." Art. 22, 
1881. 

This was satisfactory to the General Brotherhood but to a re- 
spectable number of members who were determined to have it as 
they had outlined it in the Miami Valley Petition it was not, and a 
Meeting at Pitsburg, Ohio was called for August 24, 1881. This 



of the Southern District of Ohio 353 



meeting was largely attended. Elder Samuel Garber presented "The 
Resolutions which formed the basis of the Old Order Brethren 
Church." These were explained and briefly discussed. The points 
named in the petition Mere not to be allowed and all who would not 
accept these Resolutions were to be disfellowshipped. A call was 
made for a rising vote and a large number of brethren and sisters 
rose up in favor of the Resolutions being adopted and it was so de- 
termined. The Resolutions were signed by fifteen elders, twelve of 
them from the Miami Valley. And this was the sentiment of twenty- 
five per cent, of the Miami Valley membership, yet doubtless, by judi- 
cious teaching, nearly all of these could have been saved to the church 
if not for the decided stand of those elders. The elders and ad- 
herents having thus taken a public position declared openly their with- 
drawal from the church and her Annual Meeting. The elders who re- 
mained counceled with a committee of elders who were present per- 
forming some work in the District given to them by the Annual Meet- 
ing. These were D. P. Savior, David Long and C. G. Lint ; and they 
advised that these elders who made the disruption should be visited 
and cited to appear before the church and answer for same. And 
those who adhered to them should have the same privilege. An open 
and fair trial was given to all and the elders and their followers were 
relieved from church fellowship. In order that the action of the local 
churches in excommunicating those who adherred to the Resolutions 
might be reviewed by the Annual Conference, a paper setting forth 
the facts in regard to the meeting held in the Ludlow and Painter 
Creek Church at Pitsburg, Ohio, before mentioned, was presented to 
the Annual Meeting of 1882, which gave the following answer: "This 
Annual Meeting does endorse the action of the churches, which ex- 
pelled the members who accepted the resolutions referred to above." 

In the meantime, November 25, 1881, a meeting was held in the 
barn of Abraham Landis, in the Salem Church, Montgomery County, 
Ohio, for the purpose of further organization of the Old Order breth- 
ren in a distinct body. At this meeting it was decided that the name 
of the new denomination should be the Old German Baptist Brethren. 
Their first Annual Meeting was held near Brookville, Ohio, on Pente- 
cost, 1882, as in the days of yore. Nearly half of their Annual Meet- 
ings since have been located in the Miami Valley where they have 
built church houses and established some congregations, probably 



354 History of the Church of the Brethren 

more numerous than in any other locality. They have over two 
hundred ministers in their fraternity, less than half of whom are or- 
dained elders. They have had some trouble of their own which taxes 
their power to the utmost. They live mostly in the rural regions, and 
their fine farms testify to the same careful attention that they give 
to their Christian deportment. They are an upright, industrious and 
frugal people. 



wm 



(3) 
The Brethren (Progressives) 

IT is the province of the historian to. glean facts from the records 
of the past for the present and future generations. The records and 
memories of the Annual Meetings of the early eighties are re- 
plete with interest to the subject now under consideration. Elder 
Otho Winger in his "history of the Church of the Brethren in Indi- 
ana," has given such a splendid digest of the Annual Conference at 
Arnold's Grove, Indiana, over which the storm center of division 
seemed to concentrate itself in 1882, that we can not forbear using 
his well written words, to which he has kindly consented. 

"Trouble had been brewing for years. It largely centered around 
Elder H. R. Holsinger, of the Berlin Church, Pennsylvania. He 
had been editor of the Christian Family Companion for years, and 
had come to advocate some very radical measures of church work and 
polity. This finally led to a committee being appointed to wait upon 
him. This committee consisted of John Wise, Enoch Eby, David 
Long, Joseph Kauffman and Christian Bucher. This is known as 
the Berlin Committee. They met with the Berlin Church to try 
Elder Holsinger on some of the general charges. In addition to these 
a difference arose as to the method of procedure in the trial. This 
can be gleaned from the report of the Committee to the Conference 
at Arnold's Grove in 1882." — Winger 

"W r e the undersigned committee appointed by Annual Meeting to 
go to Berlin Church, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to wait on Elder 



of the Southern District of Ohio 355 

H. R. Holsinger and deal with him according to his transgression, do 
report as follows : Met with the Berlin Church on Tuesday, August 
9,1881, and were unanimously accepted by the church, H. R. Holsinger 
included. And on the question to H. R. Holsinger whether he would 
accede to and accept of, the general usages of the church in conduct- 
ing the investigation, he declined, whereupon a lengthy discussion fol- 
lowed upon the following departure from the general usages of the 
church: 1st., H. R. Holsinger employed a stenographer to take down 
and publish the proceedings of the council, and 2nd., The council 
to be held in the presence of persons not members of the church, — 
which discussion closed by the Berlin Church, saying that they had 
passed a resolution in the absence of the committee, that they will 
have a full report of the proceedings taken ; and right on this, passed 
in the presence of the committee the following : Resolved, That this 
council shall be held openly to all members, and persons not members 
of the Brethren Church will be considered present by courtesy only, 
and none but the members of the Berlin Church and the Berlin Com- 
mittee are invited to participate in the business. Wednesday, August 
10, met at 9:00 A. M. according to adjournment. The chairman an- 
nounced to the meeting that the committee feared that the members 
of the church did not understand the responsibilities they assummed 
yesterday and proposed a reconsideration and rescinding of their de- 
cisions. After some investigation as to the propriety of reconsider- 
ation, Brother Holsinger gave liberty for any one to make a motion 
to that effect, but no motion was offered. After due time the com- 
mittee retired and decided as follows: In view of the above con- 
siderations, especially in view of the fact that Brother H. R. Holsinger 
refused to have his case investigated by the committee in harmony 
with the gospel as interpreted by Annual Meeting and the consent 
of our General Brotherhood, and inasmuch as Brother H. R. Hol- 
singer and the Berlin Church assume all responsibility in the case, 
therefore we decide : That Brother H. R. Holsinger can not be held 
in fellowship in the Brotherhood ; and all who depart with him shall 
be held responsible to the action of the next Annual Meeting." — 
Berlin Committee Report. 

"It is doubtful if any other Annual Meeting of the Church of 
the Brethren was ever awaited with such fearful forebodings as the 
one of 1882. Elder Holsinger and those who sympathized with him 



356 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



did not consider the work of the committee legal, while many who 
did not sympathize with him, felt that the committee had overstepped 
its bounds. On the other hand the majority of the church felt that 
patience with Elder Holsinger had ceased to be a virtue, and that the 
decision of the committee was the best thing possible under the cir- 
cumstances. In the meantime Elder Holsinger continued his work as 
a minister and bishop. And as an editor he was never more active 




Elder John Smith. 
In the reconstructive period following the Division, he stood forth pre- 
eminently as a safe leader and fine counselor. No one's judgment was 
sought more than his. 

than during the months following his expulsion by the committee. 
Many articles appeared in the Progressive Christian from bis friends 
who vigorously lampooned the committee for their actions. This 
only caused the situation to become more intense and all looked for- 
ward to see whether the Annual Meeting would accept the report 
of the committee. 

"After the above report was read at Arnold's Grove, Elder John 
Wise made an explanation of their work and gave reasons both from 



of the Southern District of Ohio 357 

the minutes of Annual Meetings and the gospel to uphold the course 
of the committee. D. C. Moomaw then presented what he termed 
the olive branch of peace. According to this, Elder Holsinger was 
to make satisfaction for his past offences and promise to conduct 
himself in the future in harmony with the doctrine and practices of the 
church. In order that this paper might be examined by Holsinger's 
friends before they endorsed it, Brother Moomaw desired that the 
final decision be put-off till the next day. Following this a heated 
discussion began and continued during most of the day. Holsinger's 
friends and even many who had been his greatest opponents, contended 
that he ought to have one more chance to set himself right. Others 
believed that the time for this was past until the Conference had ac- 
cepted the report of the committee: then if Elder Holsinger was 
sincere in his desire to work with the church, he could be reinstated 
at any time in the regular way. He, however said that while he 
could acknowledge to Annual Meeting that he had made mistakes, he 
could never acknowledge that the work of the committee was legal. 
When the motion to accept the committee's report was put to the 
meeting it was declared adopted." — Winger. 

"In those days all the members present voted. The vast con- 
gregation was made to seat themselves beyond the limit of the tent. 
It was an impressive moment. Nearly one day had been spent in 
discussing one of the gravest questions of the Brotherhood. And 
now this vast congregation being perhaps the largest assembly of mem- 
bers that ever met in America, was about to render a decision that 
would settle a question that had been agitating the mind of the Brother- 
hood for years. There was perfect silence for a few minutes when 
the clear strong voice of the Moderator was distinctly heard far be- 
yond the limits of the tent, saying: 'All that are in favor of sus- 
taining the Berlin Committee's report, rise to your feet! Like one 
solid mass the assembly seemed to rise as one man. It was seemingly 
a solid vote. After they were seated, those who were opposed to 
receiving the report were told to rise. About one hundred stood up, 
leaving the report of the Berlin Committee sustained by a most over- 
whelming majority. By this time it was four o'clock." — /. H. Moore. 

"Immediately after the report of the Berlin Committee was ac- 
cepted a meeting was arranged for by Holsinger's friends to consider 
what steps should be taken. It was held at a school house one 



35Z 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



miles west from the conference ground. Elder P. J. Brown was chair- 
man. A resolution of sympathy was extended to H. R. Holsinger. 
A petition addressed to the standing committee was drawn up, to the 
effect that another effort be made to bring about a reconciliation and 
prevent another division in the church. The standing committee re- 




Elder Jesse Stutsman 
In the troublous years following the Division, as well as later, his unswerv- 
ing loyalty and integrity, coupled with a uniform Christian courtesy and 
sympathy, made him a leader unexcelled. 

fused to consider this petition on the ground that it had not come in 
a proper way through a District Meeting. A division such as the Old 
Order Brethren had affected some nine months before was now de- 
cided upon. A series of resolutions were passed and a convention 
called to be held in Ashland, Ohio, June 29, 18S2. Such was the 
origin of the Progressive Brethren." — Winger. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 359 

On June 6, 1883, the Progressive Brethren met in their first 
general conference at Dayton, Ohio, and effected a permanent organi- 
zation. After this conference, the Brethren Church as they named 
the new denomination, became a fixed institution and charters were 
obtained in all the States where congregations existed. They have at 
the present time a large congregation in Dayton and a number in 
Southern Ohio, and elsewhere in the United States. Many of their 
church houses are located in towns and villages and much of their 
work is of an urban nature. 



m m mm m mm 

Lab \M2 ^> l** ' IseJ i3gJ lieJ 



CHAPTER XII. 



Biographies 



m m m m 

(,-^ej (=ieJ (.;<»; ;gej 



A good name is rather to be chosen, than great riches, and loving 
favor rather than silver and gold. — Proverbs 22:1. 



"If you are too weak to journey 

Up the mountain steep and high, 
You can stand within the valley 

While the multitudes go by; 
You can chant in happy measure 

As they slozvly pass along — 
Though they may forget the singer, 

They will not forget the song." 



ELMER AIKEY 

Elmer Aikey was, born December 24, 1881, in Darke County, Ohio, 
His parents were J. C. and Lydia Aikey. He was married March 7, 
1903. He, with his wife, Olive Grace Aikey, was elected to the 
ministry in 1911. He is a farmer and, also, a school teacher since 
1901. He is an active Sunday-school worker and is making himself 
useful in the different lines of activity in the Oakland church. 



CHRISTIAN ARNOLD 

Christian Arnold came with his parents from Virginia in an early 
day. He was named for the ministry in 1834 after the refusal of 
his older brother, John Arnold, to accept the office because he could 
not read. Christian's education was mostly in the German. He had 
taught school in both languages and served as Justice of the Peace. 
He was a great rider of horses. He gave full proof of his ministry, 
and took hold of the work from the beginning as Elder Landis 
was organizing the body called the Landisites. He served well his 
day and died in 1855 aged sixty-four. The Arnolds were a strong 
factor in the Wolf Creek Church for a score of years as Elder Arnold 
had an older and a younger brother, both deacons, each having large 
families. 



E. B. BAGWELL 

E. B. Bagwell was born February 26, 1861, among the hills of 
Grayson County, Virginia. His home was a typical mountain home 



364 History of the Church of the Brethren 

void of many comforts but blessed with a Christian mother who died 
when he was but twelve years old. In this neighborhood he grew to 
manhood, attending school three months each winter until at the 
age of fourteen he hired to a neighboring farmer at five dollars per 
month. When he was nineteen years old, having heard of better op- 
portunities for young men in Ohio, he decided to go to that state, 
so in November of 1879 he came by wagon with an uncle to Darke 
Countv, Ohio, where he worked bv the month on the farm. It was 




Elder E. B. Bagwell and wife. 
Pastor of the Rush Creek Church twenty-two years. 

here that he first became acquainted with the Church of the Brethren, 
and in September, 1882, was baptized in the Ludlow Church. He 
was married to Mary E. Niswonger February 24, 1884, and in March 
of the same year was elected deacon, and in February, 1891, to the 
ministry. 

The next year he moved within the bounds of the Beaver Creek 
Church. Here he lived until 1898, when he accepted a call of the 
Mission Board to the pastorate of the Rush Creek Church. He has 
also served this church as elder since about 1902, being ordained in 
1900. He canvassed Southern Ohio in 1908-9, to build a church 
house in Bremen which was successful. He is the father of eleven 
children, most of whom are members of the church. In addition 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



365 



to his work at Bremen, he is also serving the Johnathan Creek Church 
as pastor and elder. 



HENRY BAKER 

Henry Baker was born in Darke County, Ohio, March 9, 1855, 
being the son of George and Susanna Baker (nee Pitrenberger). His 
conversion occurred in June, 1880. He was married to Mary Hol- 
linger Sep '.ember 19, 1878. She died August 1, 1894, leaving him 




Elder Henry Baker. 

at the time with five children, who are now all members of the church. 
December 9, 1897, he was married to Maggie Halladay. He was 
elected a deacon in 1883 and to the ministry in 1893 and ordained, 
April 27, 1907. Elder Baker's sphere of activity was confined largely, 



366 History of the Church of the Brethren 



to his home church, Palestine, over which he presided for a number of 
years. He died, April 30, 1918. A strong pillar in the Palestine 
Church was removed at his departure. Nearly six hundred people 
attended his funeral, a silent testimony of his worth. 



H. M. BAKER 

Henry Miller Baker was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 26, 
1839, the son of Jacob L. and Elmira Baker (nee Miller). His father 
was a minister, elected about 1848, and instrumental in forming the 
Baker Church, ten miles northeast of Lima. He died December, 1892. 
Brother Henry was converted in 1871, and elected to the ministry, Octo- 
ber, 1872. He was married October 8, 1870, to Lydia Seitz. She 
died August 23, 1873. In March 29, 1876, he married Nancy J. Reed. 
In the fall of 1895, he left the Baker Church and moved to the North 
Star Church. He was ordained an elder in 1913. His eight 

children are all members of the church. His sons, F. L. and H. Jesse, 
are ministers and Edward is a deacon. All the education Elder Baker 
received was gotten in the old log school house in Allen County; Ohio. 
Recently he moved to Sidney Church. Here he died July 20, 1920. 



H. JESSE BAKER 

H. Jesse Baker was born at Harrod, Ohio, February 6, 1882. His 
parents were H. M. and Nancy Baker. He became a member of the 
church January 1, 1902. He married Mella Baker (nee Groff) 
November 27, 1902. He was elected to the ministry in 1904 and 
was ordained an elder in 1911. His home, formerly with the North Star 
Church, is now with Beech Grove Church. He has been teach- 
ing in the public schools for a number of years. He is a man of 
culture, pleasant address and a good worker in the church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 367 



C. A. BAKER 

C. A. Baker, son of Samuel and Mary Baker (nee Overholser), 
was born at Brookville, Ohio, September 6, 1858. He took a course 
of Normal work at Euphania, graduating in 1877 and then taught eight 
years. He was married June 3, 1883, to Lydia A., daughter of Levi 
and Susanna Miller. This union was blessed with three daughters. 
Brother Baker resides near West Manchester, Ohio, and is the ef- 
ficient secretary and treasurer of the District Mission Board, which 
responsible position he has held for a number of years. 



C. M. BANTZ 

Cyrus M. Bantz was born in Deleware County, Indiana, May 13, 
1872. In the fall of 1890 he moved to Carroll County, Tennessee. In 
February, 1891, he united with the church during a revival meeting con- 
ducted by George C. Bowman. He was the first person baptized by 
triune immersion in that section of the country. On March 24, 1891, 
he was united in marriage to Carrie L. Oren. In 1891 he was called 
to the deacon's office, in 1897, elected to the ministry and in 1902 or- 
dained by B. E. Kessler and Ira P. Eby. During his work in Ten- 
nessee he often went thirty-five to forty miles on horse back to preach 
the gospel to isolated members. In 1905 he moved to Trotwood, 
Ohio, and has lived there and near the Bear Creek Church at various 
intervals. He is the picture of health and manifests commendable 
zeal for the church. 



WILLIAM W. BARNHART 

William W. Barnhart, eldest son of Anthony and Sarah Frances 
Barnhart (nee Graybill), was born near Ladoga, Indiana, June 23, 



368 History of the Church of the Brethren 

1860. In September 1862 his father with his family moved to Clark 
County. Here William grew to manhood. He was united in mar- 
riage with Lizzie, daughter of Levi and Catherine Hertzler (nee 
Royer), May 29, 1884. In the year 1888 the Death Angel visited 




William W. Bamhart. 
A former member of the Book and Tract Work. 

our brother's home and took his wife and little son ; the former, August 
30, and the latter, October 5. Brother Barnhart taught school a num- 
ber of years. In 1890 he was married to Emma, daughter of Elder 
John Smith. He was called to the ministry in the Lower Stillwater 
Church in 1892, and moved to Xew Carlisle in the fall of 1900 where he 
resided about one year. He died in North Manchester, Indiana, 
November 1, 1910. 



JOSEPHUS E. BARNHART 

Josephus E. Barnhart, son of Anthony and Sarah F. Barnhart 
(nee Graybill), was born near Ladoga, Indiana, July 15, 1862. The 
same year his parents moved to Clark County, Ohio, where he was 
reared to manhood. He spent the winter of 1883-1884 at National 
Normal University, Lebanon, Ohio. He was baptized in 1885. He was 
married to Emma, daughter of Levi and Catherine ITertzler (nee 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



369 



Rover), January 21, 1886. February 1, following, they went to 
Kansas where they resided until November, 1896, when they moved 
to Springfield, Missouri. After remaining there one year they re- 
turned to Clark County, Ohio. While in Kansas Brother Barnhart 
engaged in farming and teaching except the year 1890-91 when he at- 
tended the Central Normal College at Great Bend. He was called to 
the ministry in the Eden Valley Church, Kansas, January, 1894. After 
coming to Clark County he resumed teaching. In all he taught 




Elder Josephus E. Barnhart and wife. 
A former member of the District Mission Board. 



twenty terms, besides conducting many singing classes. He was 
ordained September 17, 1904. September 28, 1907, he was elected house- 
keeper for three years. September 24, 1910, he was re-elected 
for a like term. December 2, 1911, on account of failing health, he 
tendered his resignation, which the church declined to accept but 
elected L. R. Peifer, assistant. Brother Barnhart was a member of the 
Mission Board four years when he resigned on account of ill health. 
He is the father of nine children. He takes much interest in history 



370 History of the Church of the Brethren 

and has been especially helpful in digging up data of the Donnel's Creek 
Church. 



H. M. BARWICK 

Henry Milton Barwick, born in Dayton. Ohio, January 28, 1870, 
was the son of James Edward and Rebecca Barwick. He became a 
member of the church at the age of sixteen and when nineteen he was 
called to the ministry in the Upper Twin Church. Early in life he ap- 
plied himself to his studies graduating from Mount Morris College. He 
also spent some time in Bible work at McPherson College. In 1897 
he was married to P.dith Workman. He spent some time in the 
evangelistic field and leaving Ohio lived a short time in Canada and 
other places. 

In September, 1907, he became editor of the Inglenook, taking 
up the work with much promise, but suddenly died in his home 
in Elgin, Illinois, of heart trouble, March 7, 1908. His stature, 
youthfulness, commanding appearance, and clearness of expression will 
long be remembered by those in Southern Ohio who knew him well. 



JACOB G. BASHORE 

Jacob G. Bashore was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Janu- 
ary 25, 1827. When one year old, his family moved to Rockingham 
County, Virginia. In 1834 they moved to Miami County, Ohio, and 
in 1840, near Bradford. July 15, 1847, he was married to Sallie 
Miller. 

Three sons and six daugthers were born to them. He was 
a very active man, serving the church in the deaconship for about three 
decades. He, also, served on the District Mission Board a short time. 
He died April 24, 1895. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



371 



JOHN W. BEEGHLY 

John \Y. Beeghly, son of Joseph and Sarah Beeghly (nee Miller), 
was born on a farm five miles west of Dayton, Ohio, January 31, 1861. 
He was brought up in the dairy business. He attended Ashland College 
one term and the Ohio Normal University one year. He taught 
school three years and took a lively part in the lyceums of the times. 
He married Ida Jane Wolf July 7, 1883, and became the father of ten 
children, of whom eight are living. 




Elder John W. Beeghly and wife. 
He has presided over the Bear Creek Church a number of years. 

He was elected to the ministry in 1887, ordained in 1898 and since 
1899, has presided over the Bear Creek Church, with the exception of a 
short interval while in Florida. 

He excels in presiding over a council and in delivering logical ser- 
mons. He is small in stature but intellectually and in all around 
usefulness, he measures up well with the best. 



37. 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



P. H. BEERY 

P. H. Beery was born near Logan, Ohio, September 2, 1862. His 
father was Abraham S. Beery and his mother, a daughter of Elder 
John Hunsacker. Brother Beery began serving the church as a mere 
lad under ten years old, by building fires and sweeping the church 
house located on the corner of his father's farm. In this same 




Elder P. H. Beery and wife. 



church house, at the age of seventeen, under the preaching of Elder 
D. N. Workman, he became a member of the church. He had, 
however, begun the prayer life when but a child and was early conscious 
of a call to the ministry by the Holy Spirit. He was elected to the 
ministry, September 15, 1889, in the Blanchard Church near Dupont, 
Ohio. He was ordained to the eldership at Bethany Church, Boone 
County, Indiana, June 5, 1902. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 373 



Immediately after his election to the ministry, Brother Beery 
decided to get a better education, and in less than five weeks he landed 
at Mount Morris College, with his wife and baby. He afterward 
attended Juniata College and DePauw University, working his way 
through the entire course. This required ten years time and he was 
graduated with the A. B. degree in June, 1899. He taught for a num- 
ber of years. In later years, he was employed by the Santa Fe Rail- 
way. In 1901, he started a mission at Indianapolis, Indiana, under 
the Mission Board of that state and remained three years. In 1904 he 
located in Covington. Ohio, where he was helpful in building a large 
church edifice, and saw all his children baptized into the church. He 
is now located in California, where he is pastor of a church in Los 
Angeles. He is zealous and resourceful. 



G j'M ■" fljjj 



NOAH V. BEERY 



Noah V. Beery was born in Hocking County, Ohio, August 9, 
1869. His father was Abraham S. Beery and his mother was a 
daughter of Elder John Hunsacker. He is a brother to Elders P. 
H. Beery, and Isaac R. Beery. He was converted in August, 1884, 
and married November 15, 1891, Eliza C. Bowman. He was elected 
to the ministry April 30, 1908, in the Wolf Creek Church. He did 
most of his early preaching in the Eversole Church, later moving to the 
Southern District of Indiana near Liberty, where he was engaged in 
pastoral work. He moved back to Southern Ohio in November, 
1918, locating with the Sugar Hill Church where he now resides. He has 
done some evangelistic work and is a ready and forceful speaker. 



ISAAC R. BEERY 

Isaac R. Beery, was born near Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, 
February 21, 1877, being the youngest child of Abraham S. and Mar- 
garet Beery (nee Hunsacker). In 1892 he removed with his parents 



374 History of the Church of the Brethren 

to Covington, Ohio, and in 1893, was baptized. In 1897 he graduated 
with highest honors from the Covington high school. Having won in 
an oratorical contest a four years' scholarship at Earlham College, he 
was planning to enter that institution, but he was offered a scholarship 
at Juniata College, and attended the latter institution, completing two 
years of the regular college course. July 20, 1899, he was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Shaffer of Pleasant Hill. For twelve years 
he taught in the public schools of Miami County. December 1, 1910 
he was elected to the ministry. 

He entered upon the work as pastor at Naperville, Illinois, May 
1, 1912. While here he took seven terms of work at Bethany Bible 
School. On September 1, 1915, he began his labors at Lanark, 
Illinois. Since August 1, 1917, he has been the pastor of the Flora, 
Indiana, Church. He is an energetic and talented minister and evan- 
gelist. 



CHARLES O. BEERY 

Charles O. Beery, born in Miami County, Ohio, March 7, 1871, 
was a son of Enoch Beery, sixty years a deacon in the Covington and 
Pleasant Hill churches. Converted while attending Mount Morris 
College in 1889. John Pittenger, missionary to India, and he were 
called to the ministry and installed at Pleasant Hill, September 2, 
1897. He was ordained to the eldership at Tyrone, Pennsylvania, 
April 6, 1907. 

For two years he was pastor of Glade Run and Plum Creek 
churches, did much evangelistic work, spent a year and half with 
Geiger Memorial Church, returned ,to the former congregation for 
nearly three years. Next he moved back to Tyrone, where he served a 
mission church, and taught in a township high school. He then 
moved to Huntingdon, where he served two mission points. After 
his wife, Lou Ella Beery (nee Replogle), died, to whom he was married 
on June 16, 1897, he moved back to Pleasant Hill but on June 22, 
1919, he again left for Pennsylvania 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



375 



D. G. BERKEBILE 

D. G. Berkebile, son of David and Sarah Berkebile, was born near 
Delta, March 6, 1880. In addition to what he acquired in the com- 
mon schools, he spent some time at Manchester College and one 
term at Bethany Bible School. He taught school twelve years. Sep- 
tember 19, 1903, he was married to Effie Kintner. 

He was converted in 1894, elected to the ministry in 1900, and 
ordained in 1909. He had the care of his home church (Swan Creek) 
and other churches some years. He served North Western Ohio, on 
her Mission Board, as presiding officer at District Meetings and once 
on the standing committee. He has done some evangelistic work, 
and since 1918 has been the pastor of Harris Creek Church. 




Elder D. G. Berkebile and wife. 
He is the pastor of the Harris Creek Church. 



376 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



NEWTON W. BINKLEY 

Newton W. Binkley was born June 25, 1872, in Montgomery 
County, Ohio, near Salem. He was used to hard work on the farm 
and in the shop from his childhood. He married Dora Brill, Decem- 
ber 24, 1893. They were converted July 7, 1899. March 22, 1902, 
he was elected to the ministry, and ordained August 27, 1910. Few 
have given more evidence of even growth and steady development than 
he. His undisguised courtesy, his unpretending humility and his 
great earnestness, are the well grounded steps to his success. He 
was chosen Presiding Elder of the Ludlow Church at its organiza- 
tion in 1914 and has been rechosen at every election until his recent 
resignation. 




Elder Newton W. Binkley and wife. 
Since his resignation, after a short rest, he has again been rechosen Presid- 
ing Elder of the Ludlow Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



377 



S. A. BLESSING 

S. A. Blessing was born in Huntington County, Indiana, April 
7, 1868, the son of John and Sarah Blessing. He became a member of 
the Loon Creek Church in the same county, in 1889, and was elected 



to the ministry 



1892 in the Kewanna Church, of the same 




Elder S. A. Blessing. 
He is the Presiding Elder of the West Milton Church. 



state. He also taught school some years. He was married to Anna 
Belle Klepinger, September 5, 1895. He has resided in Wolf 
Creek, Bear Creek, and West Milton churches. Of the latter church 
he has been Presiding Elder since 1909. He was ordained in 1908. 
He served four times as reading clerk at District Meetings and twice 
on the standing committee. He has done some evangelistic work 
and has been an enthusiastic temperance worker. In addition to 



378 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



his ministerial work, he is the present manager of the West Milton 
Telephone Company. Elder Blessing is an active and earnest brother. 



SAMUEL W. BLOCKER 

Samuel W. Blocher (October 21, 1845) and his wife, Catherine 
Glunt Blocher (March 15, 1850) were closely associated with the 
growth and development of that part of the Union City Church, which 
later became the present Poplar Grove Church. Very shortly after 




Elder Samuel W. Blocher and wife. 

their marriage in 1871, they united with the church, and soon were 
called to the office of deacon. In 1885 he was called to the ministry. 
For nearly twenty years, he was the only minister in this part of the 
congregation. His wife efficiently co-operated with him until her 
death, March 3, 1903. 

Brother Blocher was ordained to the eldership in 1905 and at 
that time he was given the care of the church. For eleven years he 
continued in this capacity, when due to the weight of years, Elder 
Blocher asked to be relieved. He was active, earnest and prudent in 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



379 



his church work. Ira, his son, is a promising elder, Hugh is a deacon 
and Sister Myrtle is a nurse. Levi is the youngest son. 

Elder Blocher was next married to Lucinda Blickenstaff. Her 
maiden name was Weybright. She was reared on Stillwater. Her 
first marriage was to Henry Baker, March 7, 1867, who was a most 
useful deacon in the Palestine Church until his death. Their daughters 
are members of the church. Katie is wife of Elder L. H. Eby ; Maggie, 
wife of deacon Jacob Haladay ; Miss Adah, teacher of note and gifted 
with song; one son, a doctor. The sister remained a widow thirteen 
years and reared her children to responsible age when she became 
the wife of Elder Solomon Blickenstaff on March 27, 1898. He 
died in 1903. Several years later she married Elder Blocher and is 
helpful in his church work. 



IRA G. BLOCHER 

Ira G. Blocher was born in Darke County, Ohio, July 22, 1873, 
being the son of Elder Samuel W. and Catherine Blocher (nee Glunt). 
His conversion occurred February, 1890, at the old Hill Grove house 





Elder Ira G. Blocher and wife. 
He is District Missionary Secretary. 



during a revival by Elder Isaac Frantz. He was married August 24, 
1895, to Laura A. Wagner. His election to the ministry occurred 



380 History of the Church of the Brethren 

March 5, 1904, in the Poplar Grove Church. He was ordained, 
June 22, 1913, in the Zion Church, Michigan. Here, with bis 
wife and two daughters, Ruth and Kathryn, he was a charter member 
of this church. With the exception of three years spent in Michigan, 
he has lived all his life with the Poplar Grove congregation. He is 
now attending Bethany Bible School. He is District Sunday-school 
secretary, and since 1918 a member of the District Mission Board. 
He is a man of energy, of courteous and pleasing address. 



jfgSgaggn 



SAMUEL BOCK 

Samuel Bock was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 8, 
1840. His father of same name was an elder in the church from 
Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The lad was reared on a farm. 
His education was secured in a log school house where the benches 
were around the wall. He continued on the farm and in the nursery 
business until, because of advanced age, he retired from hard physical 
labor. He was immigration agent for the Oregon Short Line from 
1898 to 1911. He chose for a life companion, Catherine Hoover, to 
whom he was united in marriage March 10, 1864. To them were 
given two sons and three daughters. One son is living. When nine- 
teen years of age Samuel confessed Christ and united with the Wolf 
Creek congregation. He was a charter member of the West Dayton 
Church and served as deacon. He was secretary and treasurer of 
Book and Tract work through its life. He managed its finances and 
his name is perpetuated through this work. He resides in the West. 



WILLIAM HITT BOGGS 

W. H. Boggs, son of Aaron and Melvina Boggs, was born in 
Mason County, Kentucky, September 11, 1839. That same year his 
parents moved near Piqua, remaining there until 1843, when they 



of the Southern District of Ohio 381 

moved near Coving-ton, where William ever after lived. His educa- 
tion was limited. He married Margaret A. Ingle, August 18, 1859. 
They had three sons Roland, Ora and Edward. August 8, 1860, 
he and his wife were baptized by Elder John Hershey. He was called 
to the ministry February 5, 1873, and advanced two years later to the 
second degree in which capacity he labored constantly. Aside from 
his regular preaching, he solemnized 190 marriages, preached 250 
funerals and held twenty-two revivals, baptized 200 applicants. At- 
tacked by the dread disease, cancer, he died, aged 65 years and 7 
months. He was kind in disposition and merciful. 



uuiu.: infcV%( 6>nt iiiiiij 



SOLOMON BOLINGER 



Solomon Bolinger was born March 29, 1862, near Nashville, 
Ohio. His parents were John and Mary Bolinger. His conversion 
occurred in December, 1885. He was married October 2, 1886. He 
resided with the Beech Grove congregation where he was installed with 
his wife, Malinda Bolinger (nee Royer), November 25, 1911, into the 
ministry. He went one term to Bethany Bible School, but has lived 
all his life on a farm. He was ordained to the eldership August 23, 
1919. He is a man of a robust, engaging personality. 



LEVI A. BOOKWALTER 

Levi A. Bookwalter was born December 1, 1856, near Liberty, 
Ohio, on Bear Creek. His paternal great grandfather, Joseph Cripe, 
a brother of Daniel Cripe, first bishop of** Wolf Creek Church, opened 
up the first farm in Jefferson Township and the old homestead still 
remains in possession of his descendants. Brother Bookwalter was 
almost born a minister, as Elder David Bowman, Sr., was his maternal 
great grandfather; Elder David Brumbaugh, his grandfather, and 
Elder David Bowman, Jr., maternal uncle. From the opportunities of the 
common schools, together with private study, he qualified for teach- 



382 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



ing and continued this work for twenty-six years, all within reach 
of his home. November 14, 1880, he was united in marriage with 
Catherine Ann, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Shock (nee Wine- 
land). They reared a family of two sons and three daughters. The 
younger son, Jesse Eugene, is now a young minister. 




Elder Levi A. Bookwalter and wife. 
An energetic member of the District Temperance Committee. 



In April, 1881, they moved into Lower Stillwater territory and ia 
September, 1882, became members of this congregation, being baptized 
by Elder George Garver. In May, 1884,. he was elected to the deacon's 
office. August 14, 1889, he was called to the ministry, later advanced, 
and ordained in 1897. August 18, 1901, upon the resignation of 
Elder John Smith, he was chosen to preside over the church. He 
also presided over the West Dayton Church some years and over 
Trotwood Church in the earlier years of its organization. When 
Southern Ohio accepted an interest in Manchester College in 1902 he 
was chosen as her first representative on the Board of College Trus- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 383 

tees, serving five years and most of this time as secretary of the 
board. 

During the winter of 1905-1906 he travelled over most of the 
District in the interest of the school. The generous response of the 
people made possible the erection of the present young men's hall the 
following season. He has been a member of the District temperance 
committee from its first appointment. As its field workers he has 
aided in state, county and local campaigns from the Ohio river counties 
to the Michigan state line. Since Elder J. C. Bright's death he 
has served as chairman of the historical committee. He has served 
as Moderator, reading clerk and secretary of the District Meeting and 
represented Southern Ohio on standing committee at Annual Con- 
ference in 1903 and ako in 1920. 

He has frequently served on committees from District Meeting 
and on special called committees. He has fine social qualities, is a 
good sermonizer and is an astute counselor. 



JESSE E. BOOKWALTER 

September 17, 1895, twins came into the family of Elder L, A. 
Bookwalter, Jesse Eugene and Bessie Irene. They both finished 
elementary and high school courses, and Bessie took one year's normal 
training, taught some, and later became Mrs. Lowell E. Horner of 
Eldorado, Ohio. 

Encouraged by his parents, Jesse's inclination for Bible study was 
gratified by his entering Bethany Bible School, January 1, 1916, where 
he spent several years, and is now attending Manchester College. 

He was elected to the ministry in the Lower Stillwater Church, 
August 14, 1918, where he had become a member, September 1, 1912. 
He is a lineal descendant of the pioneer, Deacon John Bowman, be- 
ing of the sixth generation, with but one break in the line of ministerial 
succession. 



384 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



SYLVAN BOOKWALTER 

Sylvan Bookwalter was born near Baker's Store, Darke County, 
Ohio, February 27, 1866. His father was William Bookwalter, and 
his mother was of the Baker lineage. November 7, 1885, he married 
Mary Studebaker, who proved a true helpmate through all the years 
until her late decease. He was elected to the ministry in the Price's 
Creek Church November 8, 1902, and ordained in 1910. He preaches 



3ff ! 1 ''■' 




■t • jJ W 1 


W'- f wBMm 


Hl. m 


W.9 -^P '^B 


■ f| ,«j 


•IB - 1S| 


mm ■ 
\ ■ Wm Hi ' ■ H ' - 


81 H 



Elder Sylvan Bookwalter and wife. 
The sister shown in the picture was his first wife, Mary Studebaker. 
was recently married to Alice Flory. 



He 



mostly at the Cedar Grove house. He is the Presiding Elder of the 
Beech Grove congregation. He served on the Mission Board of 
Southern Ohio from 1901 to 1916, being elder of from five to seven 
churches and mission points during that period. He was elected on 
the ministerial committee in 1919. He is comprehensive in judg- 
ment and earnest in his preaching. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 38; 



REUBEN BOOMERSHINE 

Reuben Boomershine was born February 7, 1892, near Bachman, 
Ohio, being the son of William and Orilla Boomershine (nee Pote). 
He completed the high school course at Brookville, and later his 
college work at Manchester in 1915, receiving the degree of A. B. 
He spent eight weeks of 1916 at Bethany; the next two years was prin- 
cipal of the Franklin Township high school, Darke County ; served 
in the same capacity for the Verona high school in 1918-19. He 
accepted Christ during a revival held at Arlington by Elder J. O. 
Garst in February, 1909, and was elected to the ministry at Brookville, 
August 28, 1912. He is a young man of ability. 



JOHN BOWER 

John Bower, Sr., was born July 11, 1763, in Lancaster County, 
of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. With his wife, Christiana, he emigrated 
to Kentucky. This must have been prior to 1800 for in that year 
John Bower, Jr., was born in their new home near Bowling Green. 
In 1813 the family came to Ohio and later became identified with 
Salem Church. He was very primitive in his manner of life refus- 
ing to ride on any vehicle with springs, a then modern innovation. 
John Bower, Jr., married Elizabeth Root and lived for many years 
west of Phillipsburg. He became a member of the church and in 
1843 was called to the ministry. On his first attempt to preach he 
arose and lined that old verse, 

''Father I stretch my hand to thee, 
No other help I know. 
If thou withdraw thyself from me, 
Ah! whither shall I go/' 
After the singing, he said. "Brethren I stand before you as an 
empty vessel." He then proceeded to read a Scripture and spoke 
to edification. His services were soon in great demand at funerals. 



386 History of the Church of the Brethren 

and he solemnized many marriages. He became the housekeeper of 
the Salem Church in 1848 continuing until his removal to Douglas 
County. Kansas, in 1861, where he died in 1879. Of his children, 
Jacob lived in Kansas ; Henry married Esther Friend, and some of 
his descendants still live in the old Bower community ; Elizabeth was 
the wife of Elder Samuel Baker and died in Kansas recently; Sara 
married Emanuel Miller, lived near Palestine, Darke County, Ohio ; 
Barbara married Moses Flory. Elder Bower had the full confidence 
of all who knew him. After his removal to Kansas, the grass- 

hoppers devastated that region so severely that an appeal was made 
for help from Ohio ; when it became known that Elder Bower would 
have charge of the distribution many, not members of the church 
contributed, saying that it would be in safe hands. 



Hrnrnnlf^ A -"^ - 



DAVID BOWMAN Sr. and Jr. 

David Bowman Sr., was a son of Deacon John Bowman. He was 
born March 30, 1775, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and at the age of 
eighteen went to Frankstown, Pennsylvania, where he learned the 
trade of a cabinet-maker. He married Barbara Bowser and had six 
children, Ester, John, Polly, Katie, David and Betsy. As early as 
1795-98, he settled in the bounds of the Stonelick Church where, soon 
after he came, he was elected deacon, and shortly, to the ministry. 
In 1803 he moved to the Miami Valley, Ohio, settling near where 
Bear Creek enters into the Miami river. Here he lived when the 
Lower Miami Church was organized in 1805 being a charter member 
of this church. 

At this organization he was advanced to the second degree. 
Soon after he moved up the stream where he settled on what was for 
a century called the old Bowman home. The Bear Creek Church was 
organized in 1811, and he was placed in charge, which position he held 
for forty-nine years. He labored in the German language with much 
zeal, eloquence and success. He died April 20, 1860. His youngest 
son, David, Jr., had in the meanwhile been converted and ordained as 
an elder and Avas prepared to step into his fathers' place in the church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



387 



He preached in the German language at first but in later years in both 
German and English. He presided over this church until his decease 
in 1879. Thus father and son had the care of this church for sixty- 
eight years. In the succeeding years a grandson, John Bowman, a 
grand-nephew, John Smith, and great-great-grandnephew, John 
Beeghly, with a distant cousin, Isaac Bright, presided over the same 
church. The following churches have always been under the rule of 
this remarkable Bowman family : Bear Creek, Trotwood, Ft. Mc- 
Kinley, and since 1881, Lower Stillwater. This family has furnished 
several officers of our Annual Conference, besides more than fifty 
preachers and scores of deacons. 




f 



John J. Bowman. 
This veteran preacher's life and labors came to a close by his death in 1919. 



388 History of the Church of the Brethren 



JOHN J. BOWMAN 

John J. Bowman was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery 
County, Ohio, July 28, 1839. He was converted at Bear Creek 
church in 1859. The same year in December he married Catherine 
Billheimer. His election to the ministry occurred in 1875 at the 
Bear Creek church and he was ordained in 1878 at the same place. 
He had the oversight or was assistant over the Bear Creek Church for 
some years. In his prime he preached many funerals and baptized 
scores. Brother Bowman always delivered his messages with vehe- 
mence and energy coupled with a sympathetic tone that never failed 
to touch the heart of his hearer. 



WILLIAM H. BOWSER 

William H. Bowser, son of Henry and Catherine Bowser (nee 
Long), was born near Dayton, Ohio, January 2, 1858; was mar- 
ried to Ella, daughter of John W. and Anna Denlinger (nee Chris- 
tian), November 4, 1877; united with the church the following 
year; was elected deacon in 1888 and to the ministry in 
1890. In 1891 he moved to Bush Park, Virginia, a short time, then 
back to Southern Ohio until December, 1897, when he moved to New 
Brunswick, Indiana. The following year he was stricken with fever 
of which he died September 6, 1898. Brother Bowser was very zealous 
for the cause. He felt especially called to aid where ministerial help 
was most needed. 



1 1 ' 1 1 1 un^)))t!, ((^Sanim 



ISAAC BRIGHT 



Isaac Bright, son of Peter L. and Magdalene Bright (nee Bow- 
man), was born in Augusta County, Virginia, in December 1819. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 389 

The family moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1827 settling on 
Bear Creek, ten miles west of Dayton. He married Sarah Rife, March 
25, 1841. Six sons and two daughters blessed their union, the sixth 
child, John Calvin, became a minister and the seventh child, Hamilton, 
a deacon. He operated a saw mill and a farm. He was chosen to 
the ministry in 1849, the first choice from the laity, as well as the 
first English preacher of Bear Creek Church. He moved within 
five miles of Dayton in 1855 on Thimble Creek where he kept a very 
hospitable home for all comers. He was ordained May 30, 1866. 







Elder Isaac Bright and wife. 

He was an elder in the Bear Creek Church and the father of 

John Calvin Bright. 

He became partially deaf in 1856 and during the last fifteen years 
of his life he was almost entirely deaf. The care of the church 
came to him in rote after the death of Elder D. Bowman, Jr., in 1879 
and the withdrawal of Elder D. Brumbaugh with the first draft of the 
Old Orders in 1880. He was a most careful and judicious counselor 
whose advice was sought far and near. His wife dying in 1876, he 
married Anna Denlinger in 1878. They made their home in Dayton 
but retained their church home in Bear Creek until his departure in 
1889 when nearing the completion of his three score years and ten. 



390 History of the Church of the Brethren 



HAMILTON G. BRIGHT 

H. G. Bright was a son of Isaac Bright and a brother to J. C. 
Bright. He was born in Montgomery County, July 13, 1855. He 
was married twice, first to Aldeba Klepinger in 1879. She died in 
1907. In 1909 he married Elizabeth Martin. He joined the church 
in 1881 and was chosen deacon in 1897. He served his home 

church in different capacities, and the District as trustee of the Breth- 
ren Home, part of the time as chairman of the board. He died in 
1920. 



gsga ginra 



JOHN CALVIN BRIGHT 

John Calvin Bright, son of Isaac and Sarah Bright (nee Rife), 
was born October 26, 1851, on Bear Creek, near New Lebanon, Ohio. 
The Brights were related to the Virginia Dutch, through their mater- 
nal grandmother with the Garbers, and through their paternal grand- 
mother with the Bowmans. They are of Swiss German descent, 
having come to America early in the seventeenth century and settled 
in the Pennsylvania woods. 

Elder Bright's health was delicate in his youth, but with an early 
taste for books he was able to teach school in 1867, and continued to 
teach the greater part of the time during the winter season until 1889. 

He was married to Hannah Garber. youngest daughter of Elder 
Samuel Garber, in 1875. He buried wife and daughter in July and 
August, respectively, 1878. He then married Elizabeth Heistand, 
December, 1879. Their union was crowned with eight children, 
six of whom grew to maturity. The eldest, Homer, is a missionary 
to China but at this time was home on his first furlough, while another 
son, Daniel,is a young minister. Sister Bright died February, 1909, 
His third marriage was to Hettie Stauffer in August, 1912. 

Brother Bright moved from the Bear Creek to the Wolf Creek 
church in 1876. Here he was elected deacon in 1879, to the ministry 



of the Southern District of Ohio 391 

in 1881, and ordained in 1892. He contributed articles for the church 
paper frequently. 

Brother Bright served with others as a committee over the 
churches in Highland and Adams counties for many years, as well as 
on many other committees. He was on the General Educational Board 
for eight years. At the time of his death he was chairman of the 
Historical Committee of Southern Ohio, and District Trustee of Man- 
chester College. 

Elder Bright has had charge of several different churches. Up- 
per Twin (1897 to 1907), Wolf Creek (1897 to 1910), Palestine 
(1906 to 1913), Fort Wayne (1905 to 1911), and Harris Creek (1913- 
1917). 

He moved to Brookville in 1911, presiding over this church one 
year. 

In 1913 he moved to Troy, having charge of the church as pastor 
three years then moved to Georgetown, to the Ludlow Church. 

While Brother Bright never took a college course he always took 
a great interest in education. When twenty-eight years old he at- 
tended school at the Brethren Normal, now Juniata College, as- 
sociating in class work with Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh. 

Owing to the scarcity of teachers, in the fall of 1918, on account 
of the war, he was induced to teach again, after a lapse of twenty- 
nine years. On Sunday, March 16, accompanied bv his wife, he at- 
tended services at Pitsburg. Though not feeling well, he had a great 
desire to fill the appointment. His subject, the last of a series on the 
passion week, was on "The Death and Suffering of Christ." His 
critical condition was observed by many at the close of his brief dis- 
course. He was at once taken to the home of Elias Stauffer, Sister 
Bright's father. It was found that he had a severe attack of influ- 
enza. 

After four days, serious complications developed, which proved 
to be cerebral meningitis. During the greater part of the time, to 
the end, he was delirious. He imagined he was serving the church 
and frequently asked his friends, — some of whom were far distant, — 
to lead in prayer. When no response came, he himself offered im- 
pressive audible prayer. 

On one occasion, in his delirium he was moderating a District 
Conference, which he did with his usual precision. During a period 



392 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



of consciousness he was anointed and expressed himself as being 
"ready to go to the Father." About twenty-four hours before the end, 
his last conscious statement, "The Lord be with you," was to his wife. 
The end came at 3 p. m., March 24, 1919. The funeral services 
were held on Thursday, March 27. A brief service was held at the 
Stauffer home. Elder Jesse Stutsman, who lived near, spoke 

briefly from John 14:28. A service was held at Georgetown in the 




Elder John Calvin Bright and wife. 
The sister shown in the picture was his last wife, Hettie Stauffer. 

large church, recently erected. The house was filled with relatives 
and friends. Elder D. M. Garver spoke from II Sam. 3 :38. Elder 
J. O. Garst spoke on the life of Elder Bright. A third service was 
held at Eversole, near where Elder Bright spent the greater part of his 
life. 

Elders J. M. Beeghly, J. F. Brubaker, S. Horning and George 
Erbaugh, former associate ministers, each had a share in the service. 
Interment was made in the cemetery near the church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 393 



Elder Bright was a man of unusual ability. He served ten times 
on the standing committee of our Annual Conference. His interest 
in the doings of the Conference covers a period of over fifty years, he 
being a regular attendant since 1896, and quite frequently during the 
earlier period. 

Brother Bright served frequently as an officer of District Meet- 
ing, — often as Moderator, — in which capacity he was remarkably ef- 
ficient. Coming as one of the younger elders after the division, he 
early acquired a leadership which he never lost. He was gifted 
with a keen judgment, and common sense in church matters, excelled 
by few. His commanding presence, his deliberate and decisive man- 
ner of expression yet seasoned always with kindness and good will, 
will long be remembered. 

His third wife, Hettie Bright (nee Stauffer), was born near Pits- 
burg, Ohio, November 21, 1872. She grew up on her father's farm, 
gaining a good common school education. She took several terms at 
Manchester College, and taught several terms of school near her home. 
She also took a course of Bible study at Bethany Bible School, grad- 
uating in the first class of six, in 1911. In 1910 she was one of a 
party of eighteen who took a three months tour through Europe and 
the Bible Lands. She was, on the same trip, one of the party of ten 
who were captured by the wild Arabs and held by them several days 
before being providentially delivered by the friendly Arabs, through 
the skill of Reverend Forder, their guide and leader. She has told the 
Arab experience in twelve different states. 



J. HOMER BRIGHT 

Jacob Homer Bright, son of Elder John Calvin and Elizabeth Ann 
Bright (nee Heistand), was born September 28, 1880, in Montgomery 
County, Ohio. He completed the Teacher's Course at Juniata in 
1899. He also had completed a course in Jacob's Business College 
at Dayton, teaching a number of years in the meantime. A desire 
for more Bible knowledge, caused him to attend Bethany Bible School, 
where he was a member of the first class completing the three years 



394 History of the Church of the Brethren 

course in 1911. He became a member of the church when fourteen 
and was put to the ministry in his early manhood in the Eversole 
Church. He was married to Minnie Flory in May, 1904. With 
aspirations for mission work, they accepted the call to the China field. 
Before sailing September 15, 1911, he was ordained. They were 
home on furlough in 1918-19, but are now back in China. His wife, 
Minnie, a daughter of John and Millie Flory, was born December 
21, 1880. Her education consisted, in addition to the common school, 
of some work in high school and Manchester College, which was 
supplemented by two Bible Study Correspondence courses. Like 
her husband, J. Homer Bright, she came to the church when fourteen. 
She did some mission work in the home field in her girlhood and 
since her marriage, her life has been a complement to her husband's 
ministry and mission work. Sister Flory is a born missionary. 



JOHN DANIEL BRIGHT 

John Daniel Bright was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
February 19, 1897. He is a brother to J. Homer Bright. He with 
his twin sister, Lydia, united with the church April 8, 1906. He was 
elected to the ministry in the Ludlow Church June 22, 1918. He 
graduated from the common school in 1910 and from the Troy high 
School in 1914, spent the year 1915 at Manchester College and 
then taught school three years. He was conscripted for noncom- 
batant service and went to camp Sherman September 4, 1918. He 
is now attending Manchester College. 



HARLAN J. BROOKS 

The subject of this sketch is the third son of George M. and 
Emma Martin Brooks. He was born near Trotwood, Ohio, May 5, 
1898. He became a member of the church at Happy Corner, Sep- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 395 



tember 10, 1916. After the common school course he completed 
bis high school work at Englewood. He completed also a Normal 
Course, then yielding to higher influences he was led to enter Bethany 
Bible School, and later Manchester College. 

He was called to the ministry by the Lower Stillwater Church, 
August 14, 1918, following the call of Jesse E. Bookwalter to the same 
office at the same council. This meeting was in charge of the minis- 
terial committee of Southern Ohio, Elders B. F. Sharp, S. Z. Smith 
and J. O. Garst. 



FRANK BROWER 

Frank Brower was born in Montgomery County. October 15, 
1896. He is the son of Ausban J. and Daisy Maude Brower (nee 
Early). 

He was married May 6, 1916, to Ruth, daughter of William 
and Martha Rover, of near New Madison, Ohio, in which vicinity 
Brother Brower now lives. He was elected to the ministry in Novem- 
ber, 1917, at Chicago, Illinois. 



HENRY BRUBAKER 

Henry Brubaker, son of Jonathan and Barbara Brubaker (nee 
Crist), was borne in Roanoke County, Virginia, August 19, 1821. He 
came with his parents to Clark County, in 1832. He was married to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Eve Funderburg January 11, 1844. 
To them were born eight children. 

He was elected deacon in the spring of 1851. Six months 
afterwards he was called to the ministry. September 5, 1865, he 
died at his home one mile east of New Carlisle, aged 44 years and 15 
days. His early death was lamented by all. 



396 History of the Church of the Brethren 



BENJAMIN BRUBAKER 

Benjamin Brubaker, son of Jonathan and Barbara Brubaker (nee 
Crist), was born in Clark County, April 27, 1834. He 
was married to Susannah, daughter of John Denlinger, September 
11, 1855. After serving as a deacon for some years he was called to 
the ministry in 1873. In October of 1879 he, with his family, moved 
to Kansas and later to California. He died January 6, 1913, at 
Modesto, California. 



NICHOLAS BRUBAKER 

Nicholas Brubaker was one of nine children, six sons and three 
daughters, born to Jonathan and Elizabeth Brubaker. His birth oc- 
curred in Clark County, Ohio, October 15, 1831. He was married 
to Harriet Shoup, daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Shoup, Septem- 
ber 27, 1855. They started housekeeping in Greene County near 
Zimmerman, Ohio. To them were born seven children, five sons and 
two daughters. Two sons died in infancy. Brother Brubaker was 
elected to the ministry in the Beaver Creek Church in 1856. He lived 
here until 1868, when he moved to Macoupin County, Illinois. He re- 
turned to Ohio in 1871 and located in Bear Creek Church territory 
where he remained until he died, March 3, 1878. The wife of his 
youth, dying March 19, 1873, he later married Elizabeth Filbrun, the 
widow of Henry Filbrun. Brother Brubaker was a gifted preacher, 
performing many marriage ceremonies and preaching many funerals. 



J. FRANKLIN BRUBAKER 

J. Franklin Brubaker, son of Nicholas and Harriet Brubaker, was 
born in Greene County, Ohio, November 22, 1861. At the age of 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



397 



twelve, death invaded his boyhood home and took his mother, and 
when he was seventeen, his father. About this time he united with 
the church. He attended Mount Morris College four years and taught 
school several years. He was married to Elizabeth Brubaker, August 
12, 1888, and located, in 1889, at West Alexandria, Ohio. He was 
called to the ministry in the Lower Twin Church, August 3, 1897, and 
ordained August 2, 1910. He was District Trustee of Manchester 
College one term and has presided over Sugar Hill congregation since 
1913. Though frail in body, he is oratorically strong and a prudent 
elder. 




Elder Aaron Brubaker. 
He is the Presiding Elder of the Upper Twin Church. 



398 History of the Church of the Brethren 



AARON BRUBAKER 

Aaron Brubaker was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 23, 
1854. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Brubaker, were deacons of 
the most earnest type. He gave his life to the Lord November 2, 1878. 
He married Clara F. Eikenberry, July 23, 1878. He was elected 
deacon November 5, 1884 and to the ministry November 3, 1886. He 
has proven faithful in all these responsibilities. He has solemnized 
more marriages and preached more funerals than any other minister 
in Preble County for the last twenty-five years. He has always kept 
close home in his work. Sister Brubaker ably and faithfully assists. 
He was ordained August 1, 1905, and has had several, churches under 
his care. He was foreman of the locating committee which chose 
Greenville as the site for the Brethren Home for which location he 
contended most earnestly. 



DAVID BRUMBAUGH 

The subject of this sketch needs more than a passing notice from 
his genealogical connection with influential families in our brother- 
hood. Conrad Brumbaugh was born in German Holland in 1735. 
emigrated to Johnston County, Pennsylvania, in 1759 and married 
Catherine Hiser. To them were born ten children, viz. : Jacob, Daniel, 
William, John, David, George, Christiana, Lavina, Elizabeth, and a 
second son, John, born October 19, 1771, who married Christiana 
Metzger, who was born May 28, 1765. 

Soon after their marriage they moved to Bedford County, Morri- 
son's Cove, Pennsylvania, and had born to them nine children, with 
whom they emigrated to Miami County, Ohio, in 1818, locating near 
the present Harris Creek Church. Here the mother died August 31, 
1826, and the father, October 31, 1849. 

Their children were: Susan, January 12, 1795, (Warner, Cease, 
Hover, Warner) ; John, January 20, 1796, (Mary Hoover) ; Catherine, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



399 



October 2, 1797, (Hoover); Henry, March 12, 1799, (Rebecca War- 
ner) ; Jacob, March 14, 1802, (Susan Warner) ; David, May 16, 1803, 
(Elizabeth Bowman) ; Daniel, June 15, 1807, (Susan Warner) ; Con- 
rad, January 1, 1809, (Catherine Deiter) ; Elizabeth, June 17, 1811 
(Miller, Hull). 




Elder David Brumbaugh. 

David grew to manhood in Miami County, Ohio, taught school 
some terms in the primitive methods of those early days, and took 
unto himself a wife named Grubbs who did not long survive. He 
came to Montgomery County, Ohio, in October 19, 1825 married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Elder David Bowman, Sr., 

They located on the Bowman homestead near the Bear Creek 
Church where the mother died April 12, 1868, aged 63 years, 11 months 
and 6 days. Her funeral services were conducted by Elder Daniel 
Miller of Twin Church. In this family there grew to maturity: 



400 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Barbara, January 25, 1827, (Solomon Metzgar) ; Elizabeth, June 8, 
1828, (Benjamin Bowser) ; Catherine, February 12, 1830, (Abraham 
Heeter) ; Polly, September 1, 1831, (Christian Bowser) ; Susan, Octo- 
ber 15, 1833, died March 1, 1895, (Joseph Bookwalter) ; John, June 
19, 1835, (Susan Metzgar) ; David, January 16, 1837; Benjamin, 
September 12, 1841, (Mary May) ; Peggy, September 12, 1841; Lydia, 
July 3, 1844, (Emanuel Miller). Elder Brumbaugh was called to the 
ministry by Bear Creek Church on the same day with Isaac Bright in 
1849 and ordained May 30, 1866. 

In later life he often expressed regrets for not having more 
actively engaged in the ministration of the word. After the death 
of his brother-in-law, Elder David Bowman, Jr., he for some time pre- 
sided over the church, but differences in administration growing out of 
the perplexing problems of the times led to his alienation and eventually 
he, with most of his family and a number of members, withdrew in 
1880 and became the first of the Old Order church, one year before the 
general withdrawal of the Old Order movement. He married for 
his third wife the widow of Elder Jacob Wolf, who passed away in 
1881. He died July 28, 1883, near New Lebanon, Ohio, and was laid 
to rest in Trissel cemetery. 



imnjiD^ 



A. BRUMBAUGH 

A. Brumbaugh was born near Webster, Ohio, March 10, 1844. 
His parents were Daniel and Susan Brumbaugh. His conversion 
occurred in June 1869. He was married to Susie Katherman in 
July 1866. 

His election to the ministry occurred in 1879. He was ordained 
August 18, 1897. He served three years in the Civil War, then en- 
gaged in farming. He lived in the Oakland territory but a number 
of years ago, retired from the farm and moved to Greenville where he 
assisted in the ministry. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 401 



J. R. BRUMBAUGH 

Jacob R. Brumbaugh was born January 8, 1849 in Montgomery 
County, Ohio, the son of Samuel and Mary Brumbaugh. He was 
married to Mary A. Erbaugh November 23, 1871. by Nicholas Bru- 
baker. He was converted at the Wolf Creek Church March 12, 1872. 
He moved to Darke County, near Pitsburg, in 1887. Here in the Lud- 
low Church he was elected a deacon in 1882 and to the ministry in 1883. 
He now lives in Pitsburg. 



JOHN H. BRUMBAUGH 

July 20, 1848 there was born to Daniel and Mary Brumbaugh 
(nee Hoover) a man-child whom they named John Hoover Brum- 
baugh. Their home was near Entriken in one of the many little 
coves of Woodcock Valley, Huntington County, Pennsylvania. Tussy's 
Mountain whose even top is outlined for miles, overshadows this quiet 
homestead. Uutil recently, it has been occupied by three generations 
of the Brumbaugh family. At the age of sixteen, John H. became a 
member of the church On reaching his majority, he came to Ohio 
in 1869 and worked for his brother David near Salem Church. 
In 1871 he married Sophia Bookmiller who was born in Hanover, 
Germany, and came to America at eight years of age. Six children 
grew to maturity in his home ; of these John C. is a minister, Loyd is 
a deacon and Effie is the wife of Stanley Wenger, a minister. Brother 
Brumbaugh was chosen deacon in November, 1881. He was called 
to the ministry in 1887, advanced in 1893, and ordained 1897. 

Jointly with Jesse K. Brumbaugh, he had oversight of the Salem 
Church from 1900 to 1908 when he became her Presiding Bishop, con- 
tinuing until his death, April 25, 1910. About 1900 he was chosen one 
of the committee to look after the welfare of a number of churches 
in the southern counties. He gave much time and energy, with tears 
and prayers, to his work. He was a member of the committee on 



402 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



credentials at the conference at Des Moines, Iowa. He labored 
earnestly for the peace and prosperity of Salem Church. Few men 
have the rare combination and beautiful blending of kindness and 




Elder John H. Brumbaugh and wife. 
Long an influential elder in the Salem Church. 

firmness which he possessed. He was not an eloquent man in the 
pulpit, but his social qualities were a great help, and made him strong, 
as a shepherd. In Bethel cemetery his body rests. 



ggngJ EggTOffegn inrr n 



J. C. BRUMBAUGH 

John Calvin Brumbaugh, the youngest son of Elder John H. 
Brumbaugh, was born January 19, 1892. He united with the church, 
December 22, 1907, and was elected to the ministry at the Salem 
Church in 1911. He was married to Essie Marie Baker, August 29, 
1914. He was graduated from Manchester College in 1915, and from 
1915 to 1918 was the principal and superintendent of schools at 
North Liberty, Indiana. He is now pastor of the Cerro Gordo 
Church, Illinois. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



403 



JESSE K. BRUMBAUGH 

Jesse K. Brumbaugh is a scion of the great Brumbaugh families 
of Pennsylvania many of whom emigrated to Ohio. His grandfather 
William Brumbaugh located in Madison Township on northwest quar- 
ter, section 30, conveyed to him by U. S. Patent Deed bearing date 
October 24, 1805. He is referred to in Lower Stillwater history as 
one of the trustees to whom were conveyed a certain tract of land by a 
"miry spring" being perhaps the first land so conveyed for the bene- 
fit of the church in all this great Miami Valley. June 17, 1814 he 




Elder Jesse K. Brumbaugh and wife. 



came into possession of southeast quarter, section six, Randolph Town- 
ship, also by U. S. Patent. This tract later passed into possession of 
his sons, John and Jacob Brumbaugh, and here Jesse K., son of Jacob 
and Catherine Brumbaugh (nee Wogaman), was born August 26, 1837. 
By industry and close application he prepared himself for teach- 
ing at the age of twenty-one. In 1862 he married Mary E. Hocker 
of a Pennsylvania River Brethren family who came here in 1839. He 



404 History of the Church of the Brethren 

continued teaching as well as conducting the operation of the farm, 
rearing his family amidst its pleasant surroundings. He is a great 
lover of vocal music and in earlier life taught it along with other 
school work. He became a member of the Brethren Church in 
1865, was elected to the ministry in 1884, and ordained August 19, 1897. 
In 1900 he became Presiding Elder of Salem Church jointly with John 
H. Brumbaugh. He continued thus until 1908 when West Milton be- 
came a separate organization and he was elected its first bishop. He 
has a good physique, clear voice and is strong in song and sermon. 



ENOS E. BRUMBAUGH 

Enos E. Brumbaugh was born near Union, Ohio, June 14, 1873. 
His parents were John R. and Nancy J. Brumbaugh. He is a mem- 
ber of the Salem Church. He was baptized February, 1903, and mar- 
ried, December 15, 1897, to Daisy Warner. He was elected deacon 
in June, 1906, and to the ministry, August, 1911, and ordained, August 
23, 1919. He is a member of the district temperance committee and 
field secretary of the Brethren Home. He always does his part well. 



ELMER BRUMBAUGH 

Elmer Brumbaugh, son of Levi H. and Elizabeth B. Brumbaugh 
(nee Dilling), was born near Entriken, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1869. 
He grew to manhood on the farm. At the age of seventeen he started 
to Juniata College; at the age of eighteen taught his first school, 
continuing as a teacher for nine years ; spent five terms at Juniata 
College, also graduated here from the commercial course in 1894. 
He married Ella Josephine Studebaker, daughter of Joseph S. and Deli- 
lah Studebaker, June 14, 1896. He later moved from Entriken, 
Pennsylvania, to Miami County, Ohio, within the bounds of the W r est 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



405 



^r ^m. ' 








K^fl 


j 1 | #* 11 







Elder Elmer Brumbaugh and wife. 

Charleston Church, in which he was elected to the ministry, October 
13, 1900, and received to the full ministry, September 9, 1916. He is 
now an earnest worker in the East Dayton Church. 



A. H. BUCKLEW 

A. H. Bucklew was born May 3, 1883 at Augusta, West Virginia. 
His parents' names were Marcellus and Letitia Bucklew. His con- 
version occurred March 29, 1904. He was married to Elmina Fike, 
of Eglon, West Virginia, February 6, 1907. She died February 2, 
1909. He was married again November 5, 1910, to Nellie Hart, of 
Union, Ohio. He was elected to the ministry in the Salem Church 
July 28, 1910. He had previously been elected to the deacon's office 
September 5, 1908, in the Maple Springs Church, West Virginia. He 
was ordained August 17, 1916. He has been a member of the Salem 
Church since March 7, 1906, up to the present with the exception of 



406 History of the Church of the Brethren 



a short period (1908-1909) spent in Preston County, West Virginia. 
He is a good worker. 



WILLIAM J. BUCKLEY 

William J. Buckley, son of James S. and Ella Buckley, was born 
June 8, 1887, in Warren County, Missouri. On account of his 
father's church duties and health, William lived in various places in 
boyhood, principally in Illinois. In 1907 he began his school work 
at Bethany Bible School, later at Mount Morris College and finally at 
Manchester College, securing the A. B. degree in 1917. In 1910, 
the Sterling Church, Illinois, put him to the ministry, and August 24, 
1911, he married Mary Etta Hoover. He has held a number of re- 
vivals and is the present pastor of the East Dayton Church. 



ROBERT CALVERT 

Robert Calvert, the son of Francis Calvert of Bedford County, 
Virginia, was born September 9, 1794, being older than his two 
brothers, Mills and John. He was married to Sallie Stretch, February 
27, 1816. She, then, was a member of the church. In the spring of 
1817, they left Bedford County, and journeyed 160 miles to the 
Kanawha Salt Works, the father walking and the mother with a babe in 
her arms on horseback. They stayed there one season. In the fall 
of 1817, they came on a flat boat down to Manchester, Ohio, and from 
thence on a wagon to Highland County, living for several years a few 
miles west and later southwest of Lexington Church. From here 
they moved to Adams County, Ohio, in 1839, where he had purchased 
several hundred acres of land thinking to give each of his boys a farm. 
From this home he made frequent horseback tours among the churches 
in Ross, Highland and Fayette counties. On one of these trips he 



of the Southern District of Ohio 407 

was urgently requested to locate and receive some help. His answer 
was: "How then would my poor brethren get to hear the Gospel?" On 
another trip having traveled all day without anything to eat he found 
a satchel in the road containing much food. He carried it to the 
nearest house and left it until the owner might call for it. Friends 
told him it was perhaps providentially there to appease his hunger. 
He said he thought it was left there to test him when hungry if he 
would take what did not belong to him. This absolute honesty char- 
acterized all his life. He was the father of eleven children. They 
were John, Mills, Ira, Francis, William, Joseph, Moses, Joel, Jesse, 
Susanna, and Elizabeth. Joseph and Susanna died in childhood. Ira, 
Mills, William and Jesse became ministers. Two of the others be- 
came deacons. 

Robert Calvert first united with the Methodists but in 1821 
or 1822, joined the Church of the Brethren, being baptized by Elijah 
Schofield, and in a short time was elected to the ministry. He was 
advanced to the eldership and was a leader in the church of his com- 
munity. His home was in the Brush Creek Valley Church. He 
died December 19, 1851. Flis funeral sermon was preached in the 
summer of 1852 by Sarah Major. His wife died August 2, 1870. 
Their posterity has ever since been remarkable for its church activity. 



MILLS CALVERT 

Mills Calvert was born November 8, 1818, in Highland County 
near Lexington. His father being Robert and his mother Sarah 
Calvert (nee Stretch). His opportunities to get an education were 
limited but being in possession of a good mind which he labored to 
improve he became a man of extensive knowledge. His gift of 
language was excellent and his power to retain remarkable. He was 
married to Susanna Garman October 8, 1843. He was baptized with 
his wife in 1849 and August 17, 1850, was called to the ministry. His 
labors were mainly in Adams, Highland, Ross and Fayette counties with 
an occasional visit to others. He baptized 200 members in the church 
and married 204 couples. He preached the funeral of more than 200 



408 History of the Church of the Brethren 

persons besides attending many more. While never an elder, he 
had the scriptural qualifications, especially having the one specifica- 
tion, "a good report of them without." As a preacher he was able on 
any topic but on such subjects as Salvation, the Resurrection and the 
Doctrines of the church he is said to have had few equals. Doctor 
Leighton of Highland County said in 1876 that Brother Calvert had 
crowded fifty years of work in twenty-five years time. He had three 
sons, Joseph, Noah and W. Quinter, all of whom became ministers in 
the Church of the Brethren. In the fall of 1875, he took sick with 
Bright's disease and lingered until June 12, 1876, during which time 
being in the full possession of his faculties, he was visited by many of 
his friends. To Brother John Carman who was called to the ministry 
at the same time he was, he said, 'T am like the Psalmist, I behold the 
Lord always before my face." 



WILLIAM CALVERT 

William Calvert was born near Careytown, Highland County, 
Ohio, February 4, 1826. He with his twin brother, Joseph, were the 
fifth and sixth sons of a family of eleven children (nine sons and two 
daughters) born to Robert and Sallie Calvert (nee Stretch). Four 
of the sons, Mills, Ira, William and Jesse were ministers. The 
major part of Williams life was spent in the country of his nativity. 
Though a man of strong personality, he was of that refinement of 
thought and manner that readily secured access to all classes of 
people. He was married August 23, 1854, to Sarah Weaver who 
for a few months was the inspiration of his life. August 2, 1859, he 
was married to Louisa Ann Weaver. Six children graced their home, 
four sons and two daughters. He early acquired a knowledge of 
the common branches and for years devoted himself to the profession 
of teaching. In his early manhood he united with the church. His 
capabilities were recognized by the church in making him a minister. 
With him preaching the gospel was a service of love. A favorite 
text of his was II Timothy 2:15. On a Sunday afternoon, June 9, 
1907, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



409 




William Calvert. 



T TTTTTT!TIK ));5''tjg i I I I I I I [" 



QUINTER CALVERT 

W. Quinter Calvert, born near May Hill, Adams County, Ohio, 
August 7, 1851, accepted Christ at the age of thirteen. Beginning at 
the age of nineteen he taught eight terms of school. He was married 
to Susan E. Couser, January 30, 1873. In 1875 he located in Rice 
County, Kansas, and returned to Adams County, Ohio, March 10, 
1877, and was called to the ministry April 7, 1877- To meet his wide 
circle of preaching appointments he traveled about two thousand miles 
annually, mostly on horseback. He had the joy of seeing over 250 
persons come to the church under his preaching, ministering at 100 
funerals, and officiating at 150 weddings. After having spent 
twenty-six years in the ministry in Adams County, Ohio, he next 



410 History of the Church of th- Brethren 

lived in different places in Illinois and California, finally locating 
September 16, 1913, at La Verne, where he married Mary V. Eber- 




Elder Quinter Calvert and wife. 

sole, January 30, 1916, his first wife having died February 23, 1912. 
He served on the standing committee from Southern California in 
1911. He is an elder of fine ability and unanswering loyalty. 



WILLIAM CASSELL 

William, son of Leonard and Maria Cassell, was born on Frank- 
lin Street, Baltimore, Maryland, February 3, 1826. He was the last 
survivor of four brothers and three sisters. His mother died when 
he was nine years old and at twelve his father bound him out to John 
Myers who lived on a farm near Westminister. He remained here 
until eighteen. At that time his health was greatly impaired by 
dyspepsia and in hope of improvement he started west. After travel- 
ing through several states he located with friends near Dayton, Ohio, 
and for a year worked for Philip Wampler. Much improved in 
health, he returned to Maryland and worked for a while for Abram 
Cassell, near Westminister. The next year, in company with William 



of the Southern District of Ohio 411 

Wampler, he returned to Ohio in a carriage, a journey of thirteen 
days. Again he engaged to work for Philip Wampler for $125 for the 
year and in that time lost but one day. Later he purchased the first 
thrashing machine owned in Montgomery County and while engaged 
in this business formed the acquaintance of Lucinda Coffman. They 
were married by Elder Peter Nead, August 14, 1851. For nearly 
fifty-four years they journeyed together, until her death, March 10, 
1905. In 1857 they bought a farm of Michael Landis, near Salem. 
Before marriage he was baptized and in 1858 was called to the ministry 
by the Salem Church. 

In 1863 they moved to Darke County and in 1865 he was ordained 
in the Ludlow Church. He was strong in advocating the usages and 
traditions of the past, and in the memorable meeting of August 24, 
1881, held in his home church, wherein a protest known as the Miami 
Resolutions was published, he stood as the leader, and continued to be 
an able expounder of its teachings. Of the fifteen elders who signed 
the resolutions none survived him. He died October 7, 1915. 



JOHN H. CHRISTIAN 

John H. Christian was born December 5, 1850, near Phillipsburg, 
Ohio. He was the son of David and Mary Christian (nee Brum- 
baugh). January 22, 1871, he was married to Sarah Jane Waitman, 
by Elder James Quinter. One child, Mina Belle, sent to bless their 
home, died April 1, 1911. She was the first wife of Elder H. 
Z. Smith. In November, 1880, he with his wife united with the Oak- 
land, Church, February 20, 1884, the church placed upon his shoulders 
the Christian ministry ; advancing him to the eldership, August 18, 
1897, and giving him the highest honor and responsibility when he 
took charge August 17, 1898. For eighteen years he had the over- 
sight of the Oakland Church. Many sad homes have been comforted 
by his loving ministry in times of sorrow, he having officiated at 307 
funeral services. Often has he responded at the midnight hour, to 



412 History of the Church of the Brethren 

the call of the sick and suffering. His genial disposition endeared 
him to all. Most of his life was spent in the Oakland Church but he 




Elder John H. Christian and wife. 
Long an elder of the Oakland Church. 

died January 16, 1919, in Bradford, Ohio, to which place he had 
recently moved. 



HUGH L. CLOPPERT 

Hugh L. Cloppert was born August 30, 1885. His parents were 
Herman and Cora A. Cloppert. His ancestors were not members of 
the Church of the Brethren. His conversion occurred in September 
1907. He was married February 24, 1907, to Maude E. Bowman. 
He was elected to the ministry in the Lower Stillwater Church in May 
1910. He has worked in the Postal Department of the government 
in different capacities most of his life. He is a member of the Ft. 
McKinlev Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 413 



A. DAVID COATE 

A. D. Coate was the son of Benjamin and Mary Coate and was 
born March 10, 1851, on a farm four miles south of Celina, Ohio. 
Here he grew to manhood. He was married March 10, 1879, and 
became a member of the church in 1835. He was elected to the 
ministry and installed with his wife, Harriet, in August, 1887. His 
home was in the Ash Grove Church. He taught eleven terms of 
school in his early manhood, eight of which were in his home school 
district. He moved to Greenville in December 1913 where he now 
resides. 



NORMAN ALVIN CONOVER 

N. A. Conover, son of Gilbert and Ida Conover, was born near 
Dayton, Ohio, September 18, 1891. In 1909 he married Artie M. 
Sollenberger, of Salem, Ohio. His early education began in the 
country school. He graduated from the high school in Trotwood, 
at the age of sixteen. After this he spent one term, preparatory tX) 
teaching, which he followed for the next five years. At an early age 
he showed ability as a student. At the age of seventeen, during a 
series of lectures given by Elder D. L. Miller, at Trotwood, he ac- 
cepted Christ. When but twenty years of age, he was called to the 
ministry. Realizing that there was plenty of ministerial help in the 
home congregation, he answered the call of the Mission Board of 
Southern Ohio, taking charge of the mission at Circleville. Here 
Brother Conover and wife successfully labored for two years, during 
which time fifty accessions were made to the church. He then de- 
cided to go to Bethany Bible School, which he entered in June, 1916, 
remaining one year, when a call came from the Mission Board of the 
Middle District of Missouri to take charge of the work in Kansas 
City. At the time of his death he had charge at that place. During 
his entire pastorate in Kansas City, he had been taking school work at 



414 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



the Trolle School. During the epidemic of influenza in this city, 
he himself was infected. A short time before his death, he called 
those about his bedside to kneel, and prayed for those with whom he 
had labored. His body was sent from Kansas City, Missouri, to 
Trotwood, Ohio, and laid to rest in the Lower Miami cemetry. His 
loyalty to the church, and concern for the welfare of others, were 




N. A. Conover and wife. 

characteristic. The following words taken from his diary, on his 
starting to Kansas City, is almost prophetic in its significance. "On 
June 20, 1917, we left our parents at tiie little village of Trotwood, 
bidding goodbye to them as tears trickled down their cheeks, while we, 
with our own hearts torn and bleeding, said goodbye, as best we could, 
and tried to smile.. Now I praise the Heavenly Father for the way 
he has lead us and in no way regret that I have been called to sacrifice 
for his cause." His death occurred December 15, 1918. 



P. N. COOL 

P. N. Cool was born October 27, 186S, at Harrisonburg, Virginia. 
He was married to Amanda Eliker, December 7, 1895. He was 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



415 



elected to the ministry in September, 1906, in the Pleasant Valley 
Church. He has resided in various congregations and at present lives 
in Bradford, Ohio. 



SAMUEL COPPOCK 

Samuel Coppock was born in Miami County, Ohio, and spent all 
of his long life near the place of his birth about two and one-half 
miles southwest of Tippecanoe City, Ohio. He was born September 
21, 1817, on the farm upon which the Middle District Church now 
stands. He was of English descent, of a prominent Quaker family, 




Elder Samuel Coppock and wife. 

and a member of the Friends' church at birth. He was reared under 
the principles of the simple life as practiced by the Quakers. Sep- 
tember 12, 1839, he was married to Delaney Blickenstaff. To them 
were born six children, all living at this time), viz. : Moses of Emporia, 
Kansas, Elias of Campbellsville, Kentucky, and Jacob, John, Mary 
and Elizabeth of their native county — Miami. In the summer of 
1856 he and his wife united with the church at Hickory Grove. In 



416 History of the Church of the Brethren 

1860 he and his wife were installed into the deacon's office and in 
1866 into the ministry. 

Upon the organization of the Middle District he was one of the 
charter members and the ranking minister. He now concentrated 
his energies at this place. Before the erection of their house of wor- 
ship, their communion meeting was held at his home, followed by 
a council meeting there, which set on foot the building of their church 
house. In 1884 he was ordained to the full ministry. His manner 
of preaching was that of exhortation. He was kind and sociable, 
always approachable, and frequently called upon to arbitrate differ- 
ences. As a ripe sheaf he was transplanted to the great beyond, March 
20, 1901. His wife departed February 19, 1904. Their names and 
virtues are perpetuated in the ministry of the church through his 
son, Elder Jacob Coppock, and grandsons, Elders Claude V. Coppock 
and J. Howard Eidemiller. 



JACOB COPPOCK 

Jacob Coppock, son of Samuel and Delaney Coppock, was born 
August 8, 1844, near Tippecanoe City, Ohio, and has always lived 
near the place of his birth. His education was limited, but early 
in life he became an inveterate reader, which inclination has dominated 
him throughout his life, until he has become one of the best informed 
men of the church. When twelve years old, his mother told him that 
she and father were going to join the church. He, remembering an 
old Methodist lady in the vicinity who would not let her boys play on 
Sunday, and apprehending similar home conditions, vigorously ob- 
jected. On being assured of fair treatment, he consented. In 1864, 
at the age of twenty he, with Henry Gump and Benjamin Studebaker, 
was baptized by G. W. Studebaker, the first single men to be received 
into the Hickory Grove Church. January 16, 1868 he married Susan 
Studebaker, daughter of S. S. and Nancy Studebaker. To this 
union were born six children, three of whom are living: Mrs. H. B. 
Landis of Winnsboro, Louisiana, Mrs. Deda Senseman of Tippacanoe 
City, Ohio, and Mrs. G. K. Walker of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. In 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



417 



1879 Brother Coppock was called to the deacon's office In October 
1881, he was called, almost unanimously, to the ministry. Being now 
nearly thirty-eight years old, he felt the need of preparation and 
applied himself to the work with characteristic energy. In 1897, 
Brother Coppock held his first series of meetings. He was success- 
ful as an evangelist but after his ordination in 1899 a higher service 
was demanded of him in the care of several churches. He filled a 
unique place in the history of the Covington Church, over which he 
presided for seven years. He also presided over West Dayton two years, 
East Davton five vears, Loramie four vears, Middle District three 




Elder Jacob Coppock and wife. 



years and his home church since 1905. Brother Coppock was a 
warm advocate of the Brethren Home and served on the Board of 
Trustees in the building of the Home. He served six years on the 
Board of Trustees of Manchester College, and two years as chairman 
of the Board. Brother Coppock was one who aided in starting our 
Sunday-school Teacher's Institute. This grew out of his work on 
the Board of Education, and in attending Teacher's Institutes the 
thought came to him, why not have a Sunday-school Teacher's Insti- 
tute, and from this introduction has grown the great meetings we have 
been having since 1902. He served continuously on the committee 
on program up to December 28, 1917. His rare personality has 



418 History of the Church of the Brethren 



endeared him to all with whom he has labored, especially the young 
whose confidence he holds in a marked degree. 



C. V. COPPOCK 

Claude V. Coppock is a son of John and Mary Coppock. He was 
born November 25, 1885. His conversion occurred January 10, 
1908, in the Middle District Church. He was married to Lelah Ethel 
Oaks December 7, 1907. He was elected to the ministry in the 
Middle District Church January 22, 1910, and was ordained elder here 
September 13, 1917. In conjunction with J. P. Miller, he had the 
oversight of the Middle District Church a few years. Though Elder 
Coppock is one of our younger elders, he at present has charge of the 
Stonelick Church, the oldest church in Southern Ohio. 



F. P. CORDIER 

F. P. Cordier was the son of John A. and Hannah Cordier and 
was born July 16, 1855, near Celina, Ohio. He was married Sep- 
tember 7. 1878, to Mary Coate, having become a member of the church 
in Mercer County the year previous. His church activity has been 
mostly confined to the Ash Grove and North Star churches 
where he has labored in the ministry since 1881 in these outposts of 
the District. 



itnnrngo; 



J. A. R. COUSER 

J. A. R. Couser, son of Thomas and Rachael Couser (nee Burns), 
was born October 6, 1861 in May Hill, Adams County, Ohio. At 



of the Southern District of Ohio 419 

the age of fourteen, he first led the song service in May Hill con- 
gregation, and about two years later united with the Lord's workers 
at that place who then assembled in the old May Hill school house 
(not standing) under the preaching of W. Q. Calvert then conducting 
his first series of meetings. Brother Couser attributes much of his 
love for music to being a distant relative of the Scotch poet, Robert 
Burns. When seventeen, he taught his first term of music, and has 
been teaching a part of the time ever since. In 1884, he was elected 
deacon, and to the ministry in 1898. While he does his bit in the 
minstry, he greatly prefers the musical work. In 1912 he moved to 
the Miami Valley. He was first married to Phoebe Post, from 
which union were born eight children. Following her death, he 
married Elizabeth McKeever. He now lives near Beavertown but 
has his membership in the East Dayton church. 



EARNEST FRIEND COUSER 

E. Friend Couser was born in Adams County, Ohio, September 
4, 1899, being the son of Elder J. A. R. Couser and Phoebe A. Couser. 
His conversion occurred during a revival held by Elder J. O. Garst in 
the Marble Furnace Church in December, 1911. He completed a high 
school course, the last year of which was taken at Manchester College. 
Here he became a member of the Volunteer Mission Band and mani- 
fested a desire for grater Christian usefulness, hence was installed 
into the ministry at East Dayton Church December 21, 1918. He is 
especially gifted in song. 



AARON COY 

Aaron Coy was born in Greene County, Ohio, December 19, 1846. 
His parents were Nicholas and Charlotte Coy (nee Shoup). He 
was married to Diana Funderburg February 23, 1871. One year later 



420 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



he united with the church and began his long church activity which 
has continued unceasingly to the present. Throughout all the various 
trials of the Beaver Creek Church he has been a staunch pillar in its 
support. He was elected a deacon in 1877, a minister in 1882, and 




Elder Aaron Coy and wife. 

ordained to the eldership in 1892. He has had charge of the Beaver 
Creek Church for many years. His wife died some years ago, since 
which time he continues to reside on the old homestead with one of 
his sons. He is a man of means and is universally regarded as a 
good counselor. 



DANIEL CRIPE 

Daniel Cripe was born in Pennsylvania April 6, 1772. They 
lived a short time in Maryland, Kentucky, then in Ohio. He be- 
came a minister with three of his brothers as deacons, viz. : John, 
Joseph and Samuel. They were charter members of the Lower 
Miami Church when organized and also of the Wolf Creek division in 
1811. Daniel Cripe was the Presiding Elder of this church until 
1828 when he moved to northern Indiana, where he soon built the 



of the Southern District of Ohio 421 

first home just south of where the town of Goshen now stands, helped 
to make the first plow, plowed the first furrow, preached the first ser- 
mon, and organized the first church in Northern Indiana in 1830. 
He was a member of standing committee of the Special Annual Meet- 
ing of 1848. He was a man of medium height, broad shouldered 
and well muscled. Being of a kindly disposition he made many 
friends. He died in 1859 aged 87 years 7 months and 4 days. 



JACOB CRIST, Sr. 

Jacob Crist, Sr., was born in Augusta County, Virginia, January 
16, 1801. He was an orphan boy and had his home among the Bru- 
bakers. About the age of eighteen he came to Clark County, Ohio. 
When about twenty-one years of age he married Magdalene Frantz, 
sister of Nicholas Frantz. He lived near North Hampton for a num- 
ber of years. Here his wife died. He then married Catherine 
Ohmert March 30, 1826. About this time he was elected to the 
deacon's office. He purchased a farm in Logan County, October 
23, 1829. While living there he was called to the ministry. He sold 
his farm May 1, 1840, and bought the old Crist homestead one-half 
mile west of North Hampton, to which place he moved the same year. 
He was ordained in 1847. In public speaking he used the English 
language, and was an able speaker and Bible student. He died 
January 31, 1849, aged 48 years and 15 days. The church and com- 
munity felt keenly the loss. 



JACOB CRIST, Jr. 

Jacob Crist, Jr., son of Elder Jacob and Magdelene Crist (nee 
Frantz), was born near North Hampton, Ohio, August 16, 1824. He 
united with the church at the age of nineteen. Was married to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Elder John and Anna Mary Frantz (nee 



422 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Ohmert) September 25, 1849. In the spring of 1851 he was elected 
to the deacon's office and six months later to the ministry. At the 
time of the division he chose to labor with the Old Order Brethren. 
He died July 9, 1882. Brother Crist, while not an eloquent speaker, 
possessed the more excellent qualities of a safe counsellor and a 
blameless life. 



A. G. CROSSWHITE 

A. G. Cross white, son of Jesse and La vina Crosswhite, was born 
December 28, 1857, in Washington County, Tennessee. His father 
was a minister of ability. A. G.'s early history centers in Tennes- 
see. At the Friends Normal at Maryville, he completed his educa- 
tion. At Limestone he was converted in 18/7. At Oakland Church 
he was put to the ministry in 1879. At Embreeville he married 
Addie Treadway June 8, 1881. His connection with Southern 
Ohio, came in 1887, when he spent the following ten years in the 
Upper Twin Church. During that period he also held many re- 
vival meetings throughout the District. Since that time he has been 
pastor of the churches at Bachelor Run and Flora, Indiana, (1897- 
1913), at Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, (1913-1918), and is now at 
Rocky Ford, Colorado. He has been an elder since 1899, of fine 
ability, serving twice as writing clerk at the Annual Meeting, and six 
times as editor of the Conference Daily. 



1 1 1 1 IJj- TTT^c j))X.' v(5?H iiinii 



DEVALT CROWELL 

Devalt Crowell, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Crowell, was born 
October 22, 1836. He was the third of a family of thirteen children. 
He was reared on a farm and had a limited common school educa- 
tion. He was united in marriage with Catherine Zerbe, June 19, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 423 

1862. This union was blessed with three sons and three daughters. 
Soon after his marriage, he and his companion were baptized and be- 
came faithful workers in the Harris Creek Church. Here he first 
served the church in the capacity of a deacon, and later in the 70's 
was advanced to the ministry. He continued to be a member of 
the Harris Creek Church until the end of his life. His wife died in 
1911. On January 20, 1909, he was stricken with paralysis, from 
which he never fully recovered. April 14, 1916, he departed to be 
with the Lord. 



CHARLES E. CULP 

Charles E. Culp, son of Samuel and Mary Culp, was born Decem- 
ber 7, 1863. He was early converted to Christ. On May 31, 1889 
was married to Lottie Gilbert at Mount Morris, Illinois, by Elder D. 
L. Miller. He was elected to the ministry in 1892 at Pitsburg, Ohio. 
He was the first superintendent of the Ludlow Sunday school. He 
was a man of education, holding the A. M. degree. He resided in 
various places, taught some in the Mount Morris College, lived in 
White County, Indiana, Darke County, and Montgomery County, 
Ohio. He finally located in Dayton, and was for a short time the 
pastor of the West Dayton Church. He died May 24, 1906. 



ISAIAH CUSTER 

Isaiah Custer was born in Fayette County, near Uniontown, Penn- 
sylvania in 1815. Near the age of thirty he was called to the 
ministry in his native state. In 1856 he emigrated to Ohio, locating 
in Adams County south of the Brush Creek congregation, near Peebles. 
Here he lived all his life. He was joined in matrimony to Mary 
Watson. To this union were born six sons, one of whom is now the 
oldest deacon in the Marble Furnace Church. He traveled much on 



424 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



horseback among the southern churches, going wherever called with- 
out expecting any remuneration. But in all the Lord prospered 
him to such an extent that when the Marble Furnace Church house was 
built, he was the principal donor, and did much of the manual work 
as well. Again before his death he bequeathed the sum of $1,000 to 
be used for the spread of the Gospel in Adams County, the interest 
only being used. This is now known as the Custer Fund and is a 




Isaiah Custer. 
An early minister in Adams County. 

perpetual monument to his generosity. He is said to have been 
energetic in his delivery, decided in his convictions and especially apt 
in quotations of scripture. He often contributed to the Gospel 
Visitor. A hard worker all his life, he was a mechanic, a stone 
mason, owned a threshing machine, run a farm, and yet above all gave 
his time unstinted to the church. He died in 1890. His body lies 
in the Marble Furnace cemetery. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



425 



FRANK C. CUSTER 

Frank C. Custer was born December 16, 1864. His parents were 
Jonathan and Elizabeth Custer. He was converted June 24, 1883 
and was the first applicant for baptism that Elder Quinter Calvert 
had. He was married July 22, 1894, to Pearl R. Storer. He was 
elected to the ministry in the May Hill Church December 8, 1898, and 
advanced August 24, 1910, at Hollowtown Church with which congrega- 
tion he now resides. 



JOHN DARST 

John Darst, the first elder of Lost Creek Church was born on 
Blackwater, Franklin County, Virginia, January 1, 1790. When he 
was one year old his father, a respected farmer, died. His mother, Mary 
Darst, a woman of excellent social attainments, was the oldest daughter 




Elder John Darst. 
He was a grandson of Elder Jacob Miller 



426 History of the Church of the Brethren 

of Elder Jacob Miller, who moved from Franklin County, Virginia, 
to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1800 and was the first minister to 
live west of the Miami river. John was the youngest of four sons. 
Abram Darst of Main St., Dayton, Ohio, Jacob Darst formerly of 
Beaver Creek, Green County, Ohio, and Isaac Darst of West Charles- 
ton, Ohio, were his three elder brothers. He lived with his mother 
until he was twenty-three years old. In the year 1813 he came to 
Dayton, Ohio, and married Rachael Williams, April 26, 1815, a worthy 
young lady who had just come from Franklin County, Virginia. He 
then purchased a farm on the Troy road, eleven miles north of Dayton. 
Two years later he sold this farm to his brother, Isaac, and entered 
the farm in the fall of 1817, on which he died. On the 8th of Janu- 
ary, 1818, he moved on this farm in the wild woods of Lost Creek and 
labored long and hard until he had enough land cleared to support his 
family. 

His early religious inclination was such that the first money he 
ever accumulated, fifty cents, was spent for a Testament and with 
the second money he saved, seven dollars and fifty cents, he bought a 
Bible. On October 21, 1830, his first wife, Rachel, died. She was 
mother of eleven children, two of whom were twins two weeks old. 
May 13th, 1832 he married Anna Harshbarger. She died May 2, 1833, 
leaving a son three months old. May 8, 1834, he married Mary Stras- 
burg with whom he lived until his death. He first united with the 
Lost Creek Baptist Church 1821. Desiring to come closer to the teach- 
ings of the New Testament, he with his wife Rachael were baptized 
into the Church of the Brethren in May, 1824. Shortly afterward, 
he was chosen deacon, and in 1827 was elected to the ministry, and 
some years later was ordained. The last ten years of his life he was 
partially blind and could not see to read. He was the Presiding Elder 
of Lost Creek Church from the organization until 1868. The keynote 
of his life was love. Fie died June 24, 1875. Funeral services were 
conducted by H. D. Davy and Isaac Studebaker, using II Tim. 4:7, 8. 
The evening before he passed away, the last service around the family 
altar was very solemn. He spoke at some length from these words, 
"Be ye also ready" and after a fervent prayer retired for the night. 
At about three o'clock he complained of a pain in the region of the 
heart and at four o'clock his spirit took its flight. His work was 
done. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



427 



ROSS C. DAVIDSON 

Ross C. Davidson was born June 2, 1868, about one mile north 
of the Hollowtown church house. He received a good education in 
the common schools of his. county, being an apt scholar. December 24, 
1889, he was married to Drusilla Gomia, a daughter of Joseph and 
Catherine Gomia. To this union was born one son. Brother David- 




Elder R. C. Davidson. 

The church house at Hollowtown where he has preached so long was 

destroyed by fire about midnight, July 4, 1920. 

son came into the church in 1900 under the tutorship of Quinter Cal- 
vert. He was elected to the ministry January 20, 1906. He was 
ordained in July 1911. He has been doing most of the preaching that 
has been done in his locality in the last decade. Since regular ser- 
vices have been discontinued in the White Oak Church he pays 
occasional visits to the churches in Adams County. 



HENRY DORSEY DAVY 

- H. D. Davy was born May 4. 1811, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. 
His father was John Davy whose ancestors came from Wales, his 



428 History of the Church of the Brethren 



mother was a Dorsey of Maryland lineage. He married Elizabeth 
Leatherman, May 31, 1832, a daughter of Elder John Leatherman. 
He was the father of fourteen children. His second wife was 
Catherine Bosteter. He joined the church in 1838, was called 
to the ministry in the Owl Creek Church, Knox County, in 1845. 
Delaware County was his home when first married. He moved to 
Southern Ohio late in 1868 and died in Miami County, September 7, 
1895. 

He first served as Moderator of the conference in 1865 at An- 
tietam, Pennsylvania, and served consecutively until 1876, next to 
Elder George Hoke's the longest term of any other brother. He was 
the most dignified and efficient chairman that ever swayed a scepter 
over an Annual Conference. Being of a pleasant countenance, he 
could order a brother to take his seat, or inform him he was out of 
order without any danger of offense. He was a natural diplomat 
and peacemaker. 

In his home community Elder Davy was regarded as a man 
of keen perception, honest convictions and unflagging industry. He 
was strictly a self-made man having had but three months schooling. 
Elder Davy joined the Old Orders and was Moderator of a number 
of their Annual Meetings. 



J. F. DEATON 

J. F. Deaton, son of Asberry and Annie Deaton,. was born in 
Roanoke County, Virginia, September 25, 1856. He was converted 
in 1877. He was married November 15, the same year. His wife, 
Mary Eller, has been very helpful to him. They have reared an 
interesting family, one son, William, and a son-in-law, Robert Dillon, 
being ministers. 

He lived in Peters Creek Church, Roanoke County, Virginia, 
where he was elected to the ministry in 1893. Pie was ordained 
in 1906. He came to Ohio in 1902 and lived one year in Lower 
Twin and since in Upper Twin, of which he had charge several years. 
Elder Deaton is a good worker in his home church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 429 



WILLIAM DEATON 

William Deaton, son of Elder J. F. and Mary C. Deaton, was born 
in Roanoke County, Virginia, August 15, 1893. He was converted 
in the Upper Twin Church in December, 1904. He was married to 
Elizabeth Foutz December 14, 1916, and elected to the ministry in 
Upper Twin Church December 7, 1916. His education consists of 
some work taken in Manchester College and Bethany Bible School 
after completing the common school. He is active in Sunday school 
and church work. 



niMHiTTTT^ '"! ffl ■' fJTH ' 1 1 i: i 1 1 



ABRAHAM DETRICK 

Abraham Detrick was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, 
July 7, 1814, and moved to Hampshire County, West Virginia about 
1845. About 1853 he was elected to the ministry in what was then 
known as the Beaver Run Church. He emigrated to Ohio in 1858 
and became a member of Salem Church. Here he was ordained 
February 17, 1881. After twenty-three years of service in this 
church, he moved to Darke County, then to Auglaize County and 
finally to Allen County and served Sugar Creek Church till he died, 
November 21, 1891. His remains rest in Sugar Creek cemetery. 

Before leaving Virginia, unfortunate circumstances brought him 
to financial failure. Thinking the west offered better opportunities, 
they loaded their household effects on a one-horse wagon and started 
toward the setting sun. When their cash failed to pay traveling ex- 
penses, they stopped and worked until their supply enabled them to 
continue the journey. On reaching Ohio, his ability as a minister 
led the brethren to assist him to good farms as a tenant. As he had 
promised to pay his old debts in Virginia, he remitted money for this 
purpose, often to the stinting of his own family. On final settle- 
ment it was found that he had overpaid and his creditors refused to 



430 History of the Church of the Brethren 



refund. The matter came up in the church council but he was re- 
fused permission to compel restitution by law. He quietly submitted. 
He preached many funerals and solemnized many marriages. He 
always took a keen interest in all church matters and questions of 
the day and was a man of strong and firm convictions. His son, 
John, married Catherine, oldest daughter of Elder John Smith, and 
is now a deacon in the Salem Church. 



ROBERT DILLON 

Robert Dillon was the son of John and Sarah Dillon (nee Ply- 
born), born March 2, 1876, in Franklin County, Virginia. He was 
married December 18, 1902, at Roanoke, to Virginia Deaton. 
He lived in Virginia until the age of twenty-four then came to Ohio 
being a member five years of the Bear Creek Church then moved to the 
Upper Twin Church where he was elected to the ministry, Sep- 
tember 2, 1908, and still resides there. He was a while in Bethany 
Bible School. 



ARTHUR DODGE 

Arthur Dodge was born December 3, 1892, at Columbus Grove, 
Ohio. His parents were Leonard C. and Elmina Dodge. He was 
graduated in the academic course in Manchester College in 1915. He 
was married to Gertrude Netzley, December 24, 1916, and put to the 
ministry in the Union City Church, September 26, 1919. He has lived 
at Lima, Marion, Bucyrus and now Union City. 



MATTIE CUNNINGHAM DOLBY (Colored) 

Sister "Mattie," as she is known, enjoys the distinction of being 
the only colored woman preacher of the Church of the Brethren, in 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



431 



Southern Ohio, or for that matter the only woman preacher 
since the days of Sarah Major. She was born at Cottage 
Grove, Indiana, October 28, 1878. Her father came from Kentucky. 
Her mother, Ohio born and reared, joined the Brethren Church at Cot- 
tage Grove. When Mattie was six years old, her parents moved to 
Howard County, Indiana, where her father became a member of the 




Mattie Cunningham Dolby. 
Our only (colored) woman preacher. 

Howard Church. This was a Quaker Settlement with good schools 
and as Mattie had eleven brothers and sisters, the Cunningham family 
won the distinction of having more high school graduates than any 
other family in the county. She graduated from the New London 
high school in 18991 and spent three years at Manchester College. 
She had been baptized by Peter Houk, when sixteen. As her 

mother's grandparents had been missionaries to Africa under the 



432 History of the Church of the Brethren 

auspices of the United Brethren Church, she felt a similar longing for 
her people of the south. The General Mission Board sent her with 
Elder James May to Palestine, Arkansas, to work among the colored 
folk. A church was organized, but Elder May soon left, and as she 
was young, being called "the child," the work did not prosper much 
and after three years, she returned to Ohio with shattered health. 
Here she did some work among the colored churches and in August 
1907 was united in marriage to Newton Dolby. They were soon put 
to the deaconship. Her husband was born in Pike County, December 
3, 1870, but when he was twelve, his parents, Wiley and Margaret 
Dolby, moved to Jeffersonville. 

A few years later Landon West held some meetings here, and 
Wiley Dolby who was a Baptist preacher united with the church and at 
once became a Brethren minister. About eight were baptized in Jeffer- 
sonville, but no church was ever organized. Newton and his wife, 
Mattie, moved to Wilberforce, Ohio, where the calls for talks and 
lectures she received, attracted the attention of some of the elders of 
the District, and she was installed into the ministry at Frankfort, Ohio, 
by Jonas Horning and Sylvan Bookwalter, December 30, 1911. They 
have lived in several places since, but are now at Urbana, Ohio, where 
there is no Brethren church. Responsibilities of home and family, 
mitigate against church work, which is to be deplored, considering her 
fine attainments and unselfish devotion. 



- E KteprmTTTT 



DAVID S. DREDGE 

David S. Dredge was born October 20, 1860 near Springfield, 
Ohio. At the age of four years his parents, John and Francis 
Dredge, moved to Illinois, remaining there eleven months when they 
returned to Ohio. The father was a miller by trade. In 1872 he 
purchased a farm near North Hampton and four years later he met 
with an accident which proved fatal. This left David S. at the age 
of sixteen, a younger brother, Ira W. aged twelve and three sisters 
that were older to support their widowed mother. He was united 
in marriage December 4, 1884 to Sarah J. Heck. He united with 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



433 



the church at Donnel's Creek January 1, 1895. He was elected to 
the ministry June 28, 1900, ordained July 29, 1911. In 1914 he sold his 
farm and moved to New Carlisle. He is the father of six children 




Elder David S. Dredge and wife. 

all living except one, and members of the church. His life was 
saddened March 12, 1918, by the death of his wife. He has been 
the Presiding Elder of. New Carlisle Church since 1915. Elder Dredge 
is a fine courteous brother, sympathetic, with great social qualities. 



JACOB EBERSOLE 

Jacob Ebersole was born in Virginia January 11, 1782, and 
married to Salome Keller June 14, 1802. He came to Ohio in 1807 
or 1808 and shortly afterward settled on what is now known as the 
John Ebersole homestead. Here he reared his family of four sons 



434 History of the Church of the Brethren 

and four daughters, one daughter having died in Virginia. He taught 
school and was considered then as having some education. In 1830 
he was called to the ministry. Being equally fluent in English 
and German he was especially fitted for a public speaker, at that 
time. He was ordained in 1844, to relieve Elder Christian Frantz of 
the cares of the church, which were too great for one of his age. He 
died September 5, 1850. 



HENRY EBY 

Henry Eby, son of Adam and Elizabeth Eby, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio, April 27, 1853. He married Laura Pfoutz in 
November, 1876, and they had several children, three of whom lived, 
Ada, becoming the wife of Earl Neff, a minister, and Mary, the wife 
of Elder Herbert Richards. A son, Perry, follows his father's 
earlier calling of farming. Sister Eby died in 1907, and in 1909, 
Henry married Sarah Filbrun (nee Garber). She was a daughter of 
Elder Jacob Garber and is the mother of Elder Parker Filbrun. Elder 
Eby is a strong and deliberate man, and with his wife exerts a good 
influence in the Bear Creek Church. He was elected to the ministry 
bv the Price's Creek Church. 



JOSIAH EBY 

Josiah Eby was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 
2, 1849. His parents were Daniel and Anna Eby (nee Miller). He 
became a member of the church in 1881. He was united in marriage 
with Emma Landis December 29, 1883. He was elected to the 
ministry in September, 1889, ordained in 1898, taught school nineteen 
years, most of which was prior to his ministerial call, afterwards con- 
fining himself to farming and the ministry. His home was filled 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



435 



with a spiritual atmosphere in which grew up his daughter Anna, who 
in 1912 went as a missionary to India. Brother Eby's health fail- 




Elder Josiah Eby, wife and daughter, Anna. 
This picture represents Anna in her early girlhood. 

ing, he moved to Trotwood. His life at all times, has manifested a 
spirit of courtesy, and kindness. 



ANNA EBY 

Elder Josiah and Emma Eby (nee Landis), were the parents of 
twin children September 16, 1886. The boy, Robert, died, but Anna 
remained all through the happy years of childhood to cheer the home 
and an aged grandmother. She assiduously applied herself to her 
books and the work of the Sunday school, and early professed Christ, 
being baptized September 3, 1899. She was graduated from the 
Dayton High School in 1904, then spent one year in Manchester Col- 
lege and, then, returning taught the home school three years. In 
1908, she entered Bethany Bible School and completed the Bible 
Teacher's and Mission Training courses in 1912. She had partly 



436 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



planned to go to China, but when the board called her to go to India, 
she responded with a smile. Further details of her work may be 
found in the article, "The Foreign Mission Work." 



FRANK EBY 

Frank Eby was born near Auburn, Illinois, April 16, 1879. His 
parents were Noah J. Eby and Elizabeth Eby (nee Vaniman). He 
was united in marriage with Effie E. Landis, September 23, 1903. 
He was elected to the ministry by the Trotwood Church, September 
24, 1919. He is an earnest brother wherever placed. 




Elder J. Howard Eidemiller and wife. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 437 



J. HOWARD EIDEMILLER 

J. Howard Eidemiller, son of Martin P. and Elizabeth Eidemiller 
(nee Coppock), was born near Tippecanoe City, Ohio, December 5, 
1881. He was united in marriage with Nora A., daughter of Isaac F. 
and Mary E. Studebaker (nee Snell), February 11, 1903. He was 
converted at West Charleston, March 20, 1904, and the same day 
baptized by Jacob Coppock. He was called to the ministry by the 
Hickory Grove Church December 21, 1907. In the spring of 1910 
he moved within the bounds of the Donnel's Creek Church. At the 
organization of the New Carlisle Church, he was included in her mem- 
bership. 

He was ordained February 20, 1915. Up to this time his 

education consisted of his common school work, two years in high 
school, one year in the Kansas State Normal with three years ex- 
perience in teaching. Now he moved to Chicago where he improved 
the year, 1915-16, in the Bethany Bible School. The New Carlisle 
organization and the enlarging of the church edifice had the benefits 
of his promulgation. Here is now the field of his earnest activity'. 



1 1 1 M 1 1 iin^I lut CTII 1 ' 1 1 1 m r 



JOHN EIKENBERRY 

To Jacob and Mary Eikenberry living near Pitsburg, Darke 
County, Ohio, was born November 3, 1880, a son, John, the youngest 
of a family of ten. John made good use of the country school, and 
spent the winter of 1899 and 1900 in manchester College. In 1906 
he with his wife entered Bethany Bible School, and continued there 
two years. 

At the age of seventeen, he confessed Christ. Three years he 
served as District Sunday-school secretary of Southern Ohio and in 
1919 was placed on the committee of the Sunday-school Institute. 
Brother Eikenberry has always been interested in the music of the 
Sunday school and church and often served as leader of the singing 



438 History of the Church of the Brethren 



at District gatherings. He was married, November 26, 1903, to 
Kathryn Mummert. To them have been born two children. Decem- 
ber 2, 1905, the Harris Creek Church called him to the ministry and 
July 29, 1916, he was ordained. He labored in this church until 
November 1, 1916, when he took up the pastorale of the church at 
Middletown where he resided until the spring of 1919, when he 
moved to Oakland, and lately to the Harris Creek Church. Brother 
Eikenberry is unassuming, and thoughtful in regard to others. 



ABRAHAM ERBAUGH 

Abraham Erbaugh was born in Virginia in 1799. His wife was 
Susan Coffman, of the same state. His grandfather of same name 
came from Germany to Pennsylvania, about 1750. From him prob- 
ably all the Erbaughs in America have descended. Abraham with 
his father, Jacob, came to Ohio, into the Wolf Creek Church in 1834 
and was elected to the ministry about 1836 and ordained some years 
later. He became Presiding Elder in 1855, holding the office until his 
death October 26, 1871. He and Elder Daniel Miller averted a 
division in 1869. His descendants have been influential in the church. 
His son, George, Erbaugh, two grandsons, Noah Erbaugh and Ivan 
Erbaugh, and two great grandsons, Clarence G. Erbaugh and D. R. 
Murray are ministers. 



GEORGE ERBAUGH 

George Erbaugh was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 
20, 1841. He was a son of Elder Abraham and Susan Erbaugh. He 
was married to Mary Ann Play, September 27, 1863. Twelve children 
were born to them. He was elected to the ministry in the Wolf 
Creek Church in 1882 and ordained August 29, 1901. His son, Ivan, 
is also a minister. Elder Erbaugh has lived a long life of usefulness 
in the same locality. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



439 



«* * 


• - 




tv* - 

^___ 


• >iw4fe -. Hi 


L >Bj9 



Elder George Erbaugh and wife. 



IVAN L. ERBAUGH 

Ivan L. Erbaugh, son of Elder George and Mary Erbaugh, was 
born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 21, 1880. He was con- 
verted September, 1896. and elected to the ministry in the Bear Creek 
Church September 26, 1916. He had previously lived in the West 
Dayton Church where he was elected a deacon in 1908. He spent a 
number of years in the postal service of the government but resigned 
to attend Bethany Bible School where he now is. His wife is Delia 
Shank whom he married April 5, 1903. He is a willing worker. 



NOAH W. ERBAUGH 

Noah W. Erbaugh was born near New Lebanon, Ohio, February 
14, 1861. His parents were Abraham P. and Sarah Erbaugh. He 



440 History of the Church of the Brethren 



was converted in January, 1881 and was married to Laura Bowman, 
September 2, 1883. He was elected deacon, August 3, 1897, to the 
ministry November 5, 1907, and ordained elder, June 2, 1914. He 
lived with the Wolf Creek congregation till March 2, 1886, then Lower 
Twin (Sugar Hill) till September, 1918, when he moved to the 
Poplar Grove congregation. He served this church as Presiding 
Elder one year, but in December, 1919, moved into the Eversole ter- 
ritory. Elder Erbaugh is a very exemplary and consecrated brother. 



S. A. ERBAUGH 

S. A. Erbaugh, son of Abraham and Sarah Erbaugh, was born 
June 12, 1857, and died June 21, 1917. September 18, 1881, he was 
united in marriage to Barbara Ann Bookwalter. This union was 
blessed with one daughter and five sons, one of whom, Clarence G., is 
a minister. Brother Erbaugh was an active member of the official 
family of the Bear Creek Church. As a deacon he was heroic in de- 
nouncing sin, but was tender and patient in dealing with the delicate 
work of saving offending members. He was true to his convictions 
of right and faithfully defended them. He served on the District 
Mission Board ten years. 



CLARENCE G. ERBAUGH 

Clarence G. Erbaugh is the son of Samuel A. and Barbara Er- 
baugh. He was born near Liberty, Ohio, November '21, 1882, and be- 
came a member of the church in October, 1898. He was married to 
Clara Horning, daughter of Elder Samuel Horning, September 18, 
1907. Havng served faithfully in the different capacities of Sunday- 
school work, he was elected to the ministry in the Eversole church 
May 3, 1917. His education consists of a full common school course 
and some work done in high school and Manchester College. He is 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



441 



now attending Bethany Bible School. He has fine natural qualifica- 
tions for his life work. 



JOHN W. FIDLER 

John W. Fidler, son of Joseph and Lydia Fidler, was born near 
Phillipsburg Ohio; April 28, 1875. He was brought up on a farm 
and attended the country school. He was converted October 19, 




Elder John W. Fidler and wife. 
He is the chairman of the District Mission Board. 

1894, elected to the ministry by the Salem Church, November 17, 
1898. He was married to Olive M. Mishler, April 29, 1896. They 
have two children. He moved into the Wolf Creek Church territory 
and later was ordained there in 1907. He became the pastor of the 
East Dayton Church in 1908. After four years there, he moved to 



442 History of the Church of the Brethren 



Brookville, where the same year he was chosen as its presiding officer. 
The last few years he has also been retained as its pastor. He has 
preached many funerals, officiated at many weddings and is a suc- 
cessful evangelist. He has been clerk a number of times at District 
Meeting, and Moderator of same in 1919. He has served four times 
on the standing committee, and is the present chairman of the District 
Mission Board. He is also the present elder of Cincinnati, Constance 
and East Dayton churches. Elder Fidler is eloquent in his discourses 
and energetic in his calling. 



DAVID S. FILBRUN 

David S. Filbrun was born near New Carlisle, Ohio, January 18, 
1852. His father, John Filbrun, served as deacon in the church for 
many years. David was the fourth child in a family of four sons 
and five daughters. He began to teach in the public schools at the 
age of eighteen, and taught for twenty-four consecutive years, giving 
two years, however, to township supervision. When a young man, 
he did not have the privilege of acquiring a high school preparation, 
but soon won the distinction of being an unexcelled teacher. On 
December 12, 1872, he was united in marriage to Sarah Ellen Karns, 
and to them were born one son and four daughters. . All are living, 
but one daughter who died in infancy. 

They are Mrs. J. E. Coy and Mrs. E. C. Funderburg of Tippe- 
canoe City, Ohio, Mrs. O. V. Sellers of Wenatchee, Washington 
and I. J. Filbrun of New Carlisle, Ohio. When twenty-three years of 
age, he confessed Christ in the Hickory Grove Church, Joseph Arnold 
administering baptism. In 1879 he was here called to the deacon's 
office, and served until June 10, 1883, when he was elected to the 
ministry. He preached his first sermon October 20 in the West 
Charleston house, using I Cor. 3:11. October 25, 1900, he was or- 
dained to the bishopric. As a minister his services were much sought. 
Having officiated at about 600 funerals and 500 marriages. He 
was also active in evangelistic work. He longed for the time when 
he might devote his time exclusively to the Master's cause, and when 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



443 



the call came in the autumn of 1900 he went to establish a mission 
near Brigham City, Utah, sixty miles north of Salt Lake City, under 
the direction of the General Mission Board. He spent two years, 
but the time and place being inopportune, he returned to Ohio. From 
1906 to 1908 he was pastor of the First Church of the Brethren in 
Chicago. The four years following, he served the West Dayton 
Church. He later took up the work at Circleville, and remained for 




Elder David S. Filbrun and wife. 
A man who was quite active in evangelistic and missionary work during 

his lifetime. 



two years. He served from 1890 to 1894 as a member of the 
Book and Tract work, and from 1895 to 1905 on the tract examining 
committee. He served three times on the standing committee. One 
of the traits of character which he so abundantly possessed was his 
large social qualities. His kind disposition and right living were so 
marked that to know him was to love him. In November 1914 he 
located in New Carlisle, very soon became afflicted with heart trouble 
and hardening of the arteries, suffering for nearly two years. Sun- 
day morning June 11, 1916, he was suddenly stricken and at 6:30 p. m. 



444 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



it pleased the Allwise Father to call him home. Funeral services 
were conducted by Elders D. M. Garver and Jacob Coppock. Text, 
I Thes. 4:14, selected by himself. His body was laid to rest in the 
New Carlisle cemetery. 




Elder Parker M. Filbrun. 



PARKER M. FILBRUN 

Parker M. Filbrun was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 
1, 1880. His parents were Daniel W. and Sarah J. Filbrun. His 
conversion occurred August 22, 1905. He was married to Maudie 
W. Garber December 2, 1903. He was elected to the ministry in 
the summer of 1909 in the Bear Creek Church and was ordained to 
the eldership in the same church September 26, 1916. He has always 
been interested in Sunday-school work and other church duties. He 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



445 



is recognized as a stable, consecrated brother with a talent that fits him 
for almost any task. 



P. B. FITZWATER 

P. B. Fitzwater was born. in Hardy County, West Virginia, Sep- 
tember 8, 1871. His education was secured largely at the Xenia 
Theological Seminary and Princeton University. He was put to the 
ministry at Sheldon, Iowa. He was married to Addie F. Kaylor, 
July 27, 1898. His connection with Southern Ohio came through 
his three years and a half of service at the Sidney Mission. Later 
he became the Dean of the Bible Department at Manchester College, 
and in 1913, a member of the faculty of the Moody Bible Institute. 




Elder J. C Flora and wife. 
Pastor of the West Charleston Church. 



446 History of the Church of the Brethren 

J. C. FLORA 

J. C. Flora, son of B. F. and Elizabeth Flora was born in Frank- 
lin Township, Virginia, January 8, 1879. Three of his brothers are 
ministers. He acquired his education in Daleville and Juniata Col- 
leges, graduating from the latter institution with the A. B. degree in 
1908. 

He taught three years in Daleville College and five in Blue 
Ridge College. He was elected to the ministry at Juniata College in 
May, 1908. He was pastor of the church at Hagerstown, Maryland, 
one year, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, two years and since May, 1919, at 
West Charleston, Ohio. June 14, 1911, Elizabeth M., daughter of 
Elder D. M. Garver became the wife of Brother Flora. 



EMANUEL FLORY 

In the latter half of the century preceding 1800 Abraham Flory 
lived near Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Of his family, 
Joseph, Henry and Emanuel emigrated to Ohio in 1805 ; they were 
likely members of the first organization in the Miami Valley. 

They located on government lands near each other, southwest of 
the present village of Trotwood but which was then an unbroken 
wilderness. Joseph, the ancestor of the Florys, a member of Salem 
Church located on what is now known as the Elder Jacob Garber 
farm, Henry on the Waybright farm and Emanuel on the Samuel 
Pfoutz farm. In the division of Miami Valley territory in 1811 they 
became members of Wolf Creek Church where Emanuel was elected 
to the ministry and later ordained and given oversight of Salem Church 
in 1817. 

Later he moved to the vicinity of Palestine, Darke County, and be- 
came identified with the early church at that point. He is said to 
have been an earnest student of the Bible, taking it with him to the 
fields to plow and in spare moments read and searched for its hid- 
den truths. He was a vigorious expounder of the Word but always 
in the German language. He is known to have been twice married ; 



of the Southern District of Ohio 447 

his first wife's maiden name was Blocher. Their children were: John, 
Jacob, Emanuel, and Sarah who became the wife of Jacob Miller, a 
later elder of Palestine Church. In the cemetery by West Branch 
Church are two slabs with these inscriptions. 

"In memory of Emanuel Flory dec'd. 

March 9, 1849, aged 72 years." 

"Elizabeth, wife of Emanuel Flory, dec'd. 

September 20, 1855, aged 75 years." 



^m 



EZRA FLORY 

Ezra Flory, son cf John and Millie K. Flory, was born near Phil- 
lipsburg, Ohio, January 5, 1870. He finished the high school course 
at West Milton and taught school for some years. For a year 
preparatory studies were pursued to enter medical college. In the 
autumn of 1893 he was united in marriage with Emma, the eldest 
daughter of Jesse K. Brumbaugh. She died in 1904. March 15, 
1905, he was married to Martha V., the youngest daughter of John R. 
Brumbaugh. 

He was called to the deacon's office in 1900 and the following 
year to the ministry. In 1907 he took up the pastorate of the Ster- 
ling, Illinois, Church where he labored a year and attended school at 
Bethany, Chicago. After fully recovering from a breakdown the 
same work was resumed. 

In 1910 he was ordained. In 1912 he entered the faculty of the 
Bethany Bible School. While continuing his labors, he has graduated 
from the Hartford School of Religious Pedagogy taking the degree of 
Bachelor of Pedagogy. Later the Seminary course was completed 
at Bethany Bible School and still later the Master's degree was 
conferred. He is now a member of the General Sunday School Board. 



448 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



CHARLES L. FLORY 

Charles L. Flory, son of John and Millie Flory, was born Decem- 
ber 2, 1872, near the Salem Church, Ohio, on the old Flory homestead. 
His conversion occurred November, 1897. He was married in the fall 
of 1896 to Mary C. Brumbaugh. He was elected to the ministry in the 




Elder Charles L. Flory and wife. 



Salem Church March 26, 1907, and ordained June 3, 1916. He took his 
preparatory work at Bethany Bible School. For six years he was 
pastor of the Pleasant Hill Church. He has belonged all his life in this 
and the Salem Church. At present he is the non-resident pastor of the 
Oakland Church. Elder Flory has done considerable evangelistic 
work, and is an energetic and forceful speaker. tie has been Presid- 
ing Elder of different churches, and several times clerk at District 
Meetings. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



449 



GEORGE W. FLORY 

George W. Flory was born near Harrisonburg, Virginia, August 
9, 1870. His father John Flory, was a minister in the church. 
George W. bought the home farm in 1891 and was interested in it 





:% 






*m 


■H ilk ^HJ 




m 


i. 


. w 




Wm&Sl&m 1 ■ 



George W. Flory and wife. 
He has been the pastor of the Covington Church the past decade. 



for several years. He was married to Abbie McKinney 

of Woodbine, Maryland, in 1895. In 1900 they moved 

to Nokesville, Virginia, where he organized the Prince Wil- 
liam Telephone Company and became its manager. At 
this place he united with the church in November, 1902, and in Octo- 
ber, 1903, was elected to the ministry. The next year he took up 
Bible study at Bridgewater College and was graduated from this in- 
stitution in 1908. He was the first here to receive the B. S. L. de- 
gree. During the summers and vacations he held revival meetings. 



450 History of the Church of the Brethren 

In 1908 and 1909, he was connected with the college. In 1910 he 
accepted the pastorate of the church at Covington, Ohio. Since then 
the growth of the church there has been remarkable and a new church 
edifice built. 

He has conducted more than seventy revival meetings in sixteen 
different states and in a majority of our schools. He has also delivered 
more than two hundred addresses, on various subjects on special occa- 
sions at different places. His various meetings have resulted in a large 
number of decisions to serve Christ. He is forceful and eloquent in 
his preaching and persuasive and convincing in his appeals. 



R. F. FLORY 

R. F. Flory was born in Defiance County, Ohio, April 26, 1895, 
son of Elder John and Mary Flory (nee Shock). He was graduated 
at Manchester College in 1916, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree. 
He was married to Golda E., daughter of Elder Lawrence Kreider, 
March 3, 1917. His election to the ministry occurred June 17, 1916, 
in- the North Poplar Ridge Church, Ohio. He is now teaching and 
serving the Pleasant Valley Church, partly supported. 



CHRISTIAN FRANTZ 

Christian Frantz was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, about 
the year 1761. He was the son of Michael and Magdalene Frantz 
(nee Zug), and a grandson of Michael Frantz, first resident elder of 
the Conestoga Church, Pennsylvania. With his faithful wife and nine 
children, two sons and seven daughters, he came to Ohio in the fall of 
1814 and settled three miles west of Springfield. He was chosen as 
the second bishop of the Donnel's Creek Church. He died March 5, 
1850 at the home of his son Jacob. He was buried in the Myers 
cemetry where, as was his request, a stone boulder marks his last 



of the Southern District of Ohio 451 

resting place. Elder Frantz is said to have been small of stature, 
of a very pleasant and genial disposition, and much respected by all. 
All in confidence sought the advice and counsel of "Elder Christly" 
as he was called. He could speak and write the German language 
only. By his wise counsels a church was firmly established and though 
but a boulder marks his grave, the result of his labors is a more fitting 
monument than polished marble. 



NICHOLAS FRANTZ 

Nicholas Frantz was born in Augusta County, Virginia, May 1, 
1797. He was married to Catherine Crist, a sister of Elder Jacob 
Crist. Ten daughters were born to them. He came to Clark County 
in September of 1826. He united with the church in his youth 
and was called to the ministry in 1832. 

In 1841 he moved to the Eel River Church, Indiana, where later 
he was ordained to the full ministry. After the death of Elder Joseph 
Harter in 1861 he became the senior elder and served as bishop until 
his death which occurred September 30, 1874. His preaching it is 
said was of the exhortation type. He spoke with much earnestness 
and feeling, seldom without weeping. 



JOHN FRANTZ 

John Frantz, son of Daniel and Anna Frantz (nee Garst), was 
born in Botetourt County, Virginia, January, 1802. He came with 
his parents to Ohio in 1816, was baptized at twenty, and married 
to Anna Mary Ohmert in 1823. To them were born eleven children. 
He was elected deacon in 1827 ; to the ministry in 1833 ; ordained in 
1847. At the death of Elder Ebersole in 1850 he was given charge 
of the church. He served as bishop until 1877 when, by reason of 



452 History of the Church of the Brethren 

age and lack of English, he resigned. He died August 25, 1866, on 
the homestead now occupied by his daughter, Phoebe Lane. Like his 
uncle Christian, he was a typical pioneer preacher. He traveled much on 
horseback. Besides his duties in Ohio, he had the oversight of churches 
in Indiana. 



AARON FRANTZ 

Aaron Frantz, son of Jacob and Mary Frantz (nee Ebersole), was 
born one mile south of North Hampton April 19, 1830. He was mar- 
ried to Mary, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Ryman (nee Neff), 
July 17, 1853, came to the church in early manhood, was elected 
deacon in 1864 and to the ministry in 1866. 

Brother Frantz n 1881 took his stand with the Old Order Breth- 
ren. Shortly afterward he was ordained and became one of the 
foremost leaders of the church. For many years he served as Modera- 
tor at their yearly meetings. He died March 15, 1914, while preach- 
ing in the Walnut Grove Church. 



HENRY FRANTZ 

Henry Frantz, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Frantz (nee 
Flory), born near New Carlisle November 28, 1842, came to the 
church in early manhood. At the age of twenty-one he was married 
to Sarah Jane Frantz (nee Leedy), widow of Jonathan Frantz. After 
serving as a deacon for a number of years, he was called to the 
ministry October 14, 1881, was ordained in 1889. Brother Frantz 
was housekeeper from 1890 to 1898. He served the District as Moder- 
ator in District Meetings also on the standing committee in 1893, 1895, 
1897. For some years was one of the trustees of the general brother- 
hood, also served on a number of committees to churches. To brother 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



453 



and sister Frantz were born four children, two of whom died in early 
childhood. May 18, 1904, he passed away. His son, Edward Frantz 
is present office editor of the Gospel Messenger. 




Henry Frantz and wife. 



EDWARD FRANTZ 

Edward Frantz, son of Henry and Sarah Jane Frantz, was born 
June 21, 1868, near New Carlisle, Ohio. His early life was spent on the 
farm. He was baptized March 17, 1882, by O. F. Yount during a 
revival held by I. J. Rosenberger. He was elected to the ministry 
at McPherson, Kansas, in 1891 and ordained in 1897. 

He was married December 24, 1890, to Effie B. Wine, and has 
three children. His education was received in New Carlisle High 
School, Bridgewater College, Ohio Northern University and University 
of Chicago. He was associated with McPherson College seventeen 
years, 1890 to 1892 and 1895 to 1910. From 1902 to 1910 he was 
president of the college. He then went to California to recuperate 
his health and spent several years in ranching and fruit culture. And 



454 History of the Church of the Brethren 

one year, 1914-1915, as president of Lordsburg College. Since Octo- 
ber 1, 1915, he has been office editor of the Gospel Messenger. While 
most of his activity has been spent outside the state of his nativity, 
Southern Ohio still claims him as one of her most eminent sons. 



ISAAC FRANTZ 

The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of a family of six, 
born into the home of Jacob and Phoebe Frantz (nee Studebaker). 
His birth occurred June 15, 1850, in Clark County, Ohio. His 
education did not extend beyond the common school, though through 
his energy, he soon qualified to teach. When twenty-six years old, 
he confessed Christ in the Hickory Grove congregation and some years 
later, moved near Pleasant Hill. Here he was elected to the ministry 
in March, 1882, and ordained July 31, 1909. 

He was associate elder over this church from 1910 to 1917, about 
which time he moved to Florida. He moved to Covington in April, 
1919, becoming associated pastor and on June 26, was elected Presid- 
ing Elder. He was married to Elizabeth E. Miller, January 4, 1872. 
She died, and he married Emma K. Kulp, December 25, 1898. Death 
removed her, and October 5, 1917, he married his present wife, Ida 
May Price. 

Elder Frantz served on the Book and Tract committee and also a 
short time on the General Missionary Board, but it is to the evangelistic 
field that he has devoted his life, winning a place second to none. 



IRA H. FRANTZ 

Ira H. Frantz, son of Elder Jacob R. Frantz and Mary Frantz 
(nee Murphy), was born in Wilson County, Kansas, January 1, 1888. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 455 

He became a member of the Richland Center congregation, Kansas, in 
1901. 

He was married to Hattie Witmore Sellers June 18, 1910. He 
was elected to the ministry by the former church in 1906, and 
ordained in 1915 at the Mount Morris Church, Illinois. He spent 
two years in Bethany Bible School, and was graduated from Mount 
Morris College with the A. B. degree in 1917. He was superintendent 
of Child Rescue Work in northern Illinois and Wisconsin two years. 
He served a while as pastor of the Loramie Church but is now back 
in Kansas. 



JOSEPH FREE 

The subject of this sketch was born near Donnelsville, Ohio, 
July 2, 1847. He was the son of Frederick and Francis Free (nee 
Hawbaker). After receiving a limited education, he was married 
to Anna M. Klepinger in 1870. She died October 8, 1919. 

Thirty-eight years ago, he was put to the ministry in the Brethren 
in Christ Church (River Brethren), and three years ago he became a 
member and minister in the Church of the Brethren. He serves in the 
Lower Stillwater congregation, living near Fnglewood. He had lived 
twenty-five years near Forgy, Ohio. 



C. O. FRYMAN 

C. O. Fryman was a son of George and Lydia Fryman. He 
was born near Pitsburg. Ohio, February 12, 1889. He was converted 
April 8, 1910. 

He was married to Sylvia Heller October 24, 1912. He was 
elected to the ministry February 7, 1917, in the Greenville Church and 
works in this church. 



456 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



GEORGE FUNDERBURG 

George Funderburg, son of Jacob and Eve Fnnderburg (nee 
Boone), was born near Donnelsville, Ohio, December 21, 1813. He 
was joined in marriage with Margaret Leffel May 25, 1843. He was 
called to the ministry in 1850 in which capacity he served for nearly 
thirty years. Having lost his first wife, he married Mary Denlinger 
October 6, 1876. 

Brother Funderburg was an able preacher and Bible student. He 
was called to preach many funerals and officiate at numerous weddings. 
He was the father of six children, four sons and two daughters. Two 
of the sons were by his last wife. He died April 24, 1901. 




Elder Cyrus Funderburg and wife. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



457 



CYRUS FUNDERBURG 

Cyrus Funderburg, son of George and Mary Funderburg (nee 
Denlinger), was born two miles south of North Hampton, Ohio, March 
31, 1881. He spent one year at the Manchester College. For two 
years he taught in the public schools. He came to the church in the 
North Manchester congregation in 1899. He was united in marriage 
with Emma, daughter of Isaac F. and Mary Studebaker (nee Snell), 
May 27, 1903. Two sons and two daughters have come to bless 
their home. He was elected to the deacon's office September 28, 
1907, to the ministry December 5, 1914, and was ordained Septem- 
ber 15, 1917. He served the District six years on the apportionment 
committee and two years assistant Sunday-school secretary. He is 
a willing worker. 



DRUE D. FUNDERBURG 

Drue D. Funderburg was born September 8, 1889, near New 
Carlisle, Ohio. He was baptized February 25, 1903, and was married 




Elder Drue D. Funderburg. 



458 History of the Church of the Brethren 

to Ethel Denlinger, May 11, 1913. He is a graduate of the New 
Carlisle High School and Manchester College, receiving the A. B. 
degree in 1917. He is now at Bethany Bible School. He was non- 
resident pastor of the Troy Church a while. Like Timothy he enjoys 
a splendid heritage of good ancestry. He was elected to the ministry 
in 1911, and in 1918 was ordained. 



EDWARD C. FUNDERBURG 

Edward C. Funderburg, son of I. K. and Hestei Funderburg, 
was born February 28, 1876, and grew to manhood on his father's 
farm near New Carlisle, Ohio. He united with the church at the 
age of twelve. He married Dollie, second daughter of Elder D. S. 
and Ella Filbrun, March 4, 1896. He was elected a deacon in the 
West Charleston Church in 1909, was appointed a member of the 
Mission Board of Southern Ohio, to fill the unexpired term of Adam 
Pfeifer (deceased), and has served efficiently. 



SAMUEL GARBER 

Samuel Garber was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, De- 
cember 22, 1818. While yet in his teens, he came with his parents 
to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm under 
the best of training. He was married to Lydia Heeter, October 28, 
1841. About a year later he and his companion united with the 
church. They reared a family of nine children. He was elected to 
the deaconship, February 27, 1851, to the ministry July 29, 1852, 
and ordained about the close of the Civil War. Being versed both 
in the German and English when placed in the ministry, it was first 
a question with him, in which language to exercise most. He was 
a man of strong convictions and when the Old Order movement de- 
veloped, he was a staunch supporter of the Petition of the Miami 



of the Southern District of Ohio 459 

Valley Elders, and later the Resolutions which form the basis of 
thefir church. He died February 28, 1882. His talents and pres- 
tige made him a leader, and his mantle has fallen on his sons, Henry 
and John who have the confidence of their people, serving repeatedly 
as officers at their conferences. 



JACOB GARBER 

Jacob Garber was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, March 
8, 1821. His father's family moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, 
in 1835, where he grew to manhood and resided afterwards. He was 
a brother to Elder Samuel Garber, mentioned above. He was 
twice married, both of his wives were sisters of Elder Daniel Vani- 
man. There were seven children by the first marriage and six by the 
second. He united with the church in 1843, was elected to the 
deaconship in 1852, and put to the ministry in 1863. He was or- 
dained to the eldership in 1879. 

He moved from the Bear Creek Church to the Wolf Creek in 
1867. He presided over the Wolf Creek Church from 1881 to 1897, 
when feeling the infirmities of age he resigned the charge. He stood 
firm against the Old Order and Progressive divisions, which is more 
remarkable considering the fact that his brother named above, was a 
leader in the first movement. Elder Garber was a prudent, judicious 
and fatherly elder. He always labored for the peace and union of 
the church. He died February 20, 1909, nearly eighty-eight years 
old. His life was full of good works. 



TiiirTnT^^jHa^iTinTrirT 



JESSE O. GARST 

Jesse O. Garst was born October 18, 1868, three miles east of 
Dayton, in Mad River Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. His 
paternal ancestry was of the Garst-Wenger families of Pennsyl- 



460 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



vania Dutch descent. His grandfather was a pioneer settler east of 
Dayton, where Jesse's father, Elias Garst, a man of stability, was born 
in 1834. He died in 1916. On the maternal side were the Eversole- 
Folkerth families coming from Virginia and Maryland. His great 
grandfather, Michael Folkerth, was a pioneer deacon, locating in 
Twin Valley in 1817. From his grandfather, Abraham Eversole, 




Elder Jesse O. Garst and wife. 
He is a member of the District Mission Board. 



the Eversole Church received its name. His mother, H. Maria Garst 
(nee Eversole), born east of Dayton in 1840, has ever given him 
loving encouragement. When he was three years old, his parents 
moved near the Soldiers' Home, where he grew to manhood, attend- 
ing the public school and receiving a certificate to teach when seven- 
teen years old. During a revival in the Bear Creek Church by John 
Metzgar, he was baptized February 10, 1886 by John Bowman. He 
attended the Ohio Northern University, then taught school 1889-90, 
after this continuing his studies in the above named university, 
graduating in the classical course with the A. B. degree in 1892, and 



of the Southern District of Ohio 461 

for additional study, received the A. M. degree in 1895. He was 
married to Eliza A., daughter of John S. and Rachael Huffer, March 
23, 1893, by D. M. Garver. To this union were born John M., now 
a young minister, Grace G., and Lawrence A. Ever since his mar- 
riage he has lived in the Lower Miami Church territory, where he was 
elected deacon in December, 1893, to the ministry in June, 1895, 
preaching his first sermon four weeks later from Psalms 46:1. He 
was ordained elder, June 2, 1910. He was elected elder in charge of 
the Lower Miami Church, March 6, 1913, for one year; re-elected 
March 5, 1914, for two years; elected associate elder in charge, June 
6, 1917, for nine months, and elder in charge March 7, 1918, for two 
years. He has been a delegate to the Annual Conference seventeen 
times. 

He served as a member of the District Ministerial Committee two 
terms, and is now serving his second term' on the District Mission 
Board. He has been elder in charge of the Middletown and Spring- 
field churches since their organization. He served the East Dayton 
Church three years as non-resident pastor and elder. He is also the 
present elder of all the churches in Highland and Adams counties. 
He has held about forty successful revival meetings. 

As a member of the Historical Committee, he has had the editorial 
supervision of this work in which he has been engaged for some 
time. By nature he is a student and a lover of books. In the 
Master's service he finds his chief joy. 



mim~r r \ 7)i?j(' jjttt tt t i j t 



JOHN MILTON GARST 

John M. Garst is a son of Elder Jesse O. Garst, above mentioned. 
He was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, June 
9, 1896. He is a graduate of Jefferson Township High School and 
the Montgomery County Normal. He taught in the same place three 
years in the public schools of his township. In August, 1906, he 
united with the church at Lower Miami when ten years old during a 
revival by J. W. Fidler. He served as Sunday-school superinten- 
dent two years. He was elected to the ministry, June 6, 1917. He 



462 History of the Church of the Brethren 



was married by Noah Erbaugh, May 26, 1918, at Liberty, Indiana, to 
Naomi Virgil Beery, daughter of Noah V. Beery. They are now at- 
tending Manchester College. 

On his mother's side, he is a great-great grandson of Fredrick 
Holler, the pioneer elder of the Lower Miami Church. His wife 
on her mother's side is a great-great-great granddaughter of Deacon 
John Bowman, famous in the early history of this same church. 



GEORGE GARVER 

George Garver was born February 22, 1831, in Wayne County, 
Ohio. He was a son of Elder Jacob and Mary Garver, (nee Lucas) 
prominent leaders in the church in northeastern Ohio. His educa- 
tion was that of the common school of his day. He came to Southern 
Ohio in early manhood and on November 3, 1853, married Margaret, 
daughter of Daniel and Susan Miller, of near Dayton. She was a 
granddaughter of Mary Oliver (nee Hardman), who was spared from 
Tecumseh's tomahawk when a babe, because of her mother's pre- 
vious kindness to the savages. 

Four children were born to them, Martha A., the wife of Theodore 
Eby of New Weston, Ohio, Daniel M., of Trotwood, Perry E., who 
died in Oregon in his youth and little Jacob, who died in infancy. He 
early joined the church and belonged alternately to the Lower Still- 
water and Bear Creek churches. In the former he was elected deacon 
in 1863, and ordained in 1881, and in the latter he was elected to the 
ministry in 1870. 

He served on the District Mission Board in some of its early 
years and was called far and near to give comfort at funerals and 
solemnize marriages. He died from overexertion, April 29, 1889. 
His widow later married Elder John Smith. Elder Garver was a 
big man physically, mentally and socially. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



463 



DANIEL M. GARVER 

Daniel M. Garver was the second in a family of four children, 
the son of Elder George Garver, mentioned above. He was born in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, August 30, 1856. He received a good com- 
mon school education, and was prepared to teach but never taught. 
He was married December 31, 1878, to Mary L., daughter of Jacob 




Elder Daniel M. Garver and wife. 
A Moderator of several Annual Conferences. 



and Elizabeth Eby of Farmersville. They have four children, Eliza- 
beth, wife of J. C. Flora, pastor of the West Charleston Church, Bertha 
M., wife of A. F. Gump of Trotwood, Miriam, a high school teacher, 
and Ralph who is at home. 

Brother Garver and wife were received into the Bear Creek 
Church December 31, 1882; elected to the deaconship in June, 1883; 
and to the ministry in March, 1884. Five years later moved to the 



464 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Lower Twin Church, and here was ordained August 2, 1898, with 
Elders Jacob Garber and J. C. Bright, officiating. At the request of 
the Trotwood Church, he moved to that place in March, 1909, first 
taking charge of the church as elder but later as its pastor. Elder 
Garver's church activity has found expression in every department of 
church work. Few have been as busy as he. He has officiated at 
many weddings and preached about nine hundred funerals. 

He has served different churches as elder and the District and the 
Brotherhood at large on many committees. Of the Southern Ohio 
Historial Committee, he served as its treasurer. On the District 
Mission Board he served about a score of years. As an officer of 
the District Conference, he was a number of times Moderator. He 
has served on the standing committee many times, acting as Modera- 
tor of the Annual Conference three times. He has also labored in 
the evangelistic field. Elder Garver is optimistic, tactful, and judi- 
cious, with social qualities of the highest order. 




Elder Silas Gilbert and wife. 
A former Ohio minister. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



465 



SILAS GILBERT 

Silas Gilbert was born November 19, 1845. He was a brother 
to Julia Gilbert, mentioned below. His wife was Francis Restler. 
He moved to Darke County in 1870. He was elected to the deacon's 




Julia A. Gilbert. 
A sister to Elder Silas Gilbert. 



office in September, 1874, to the ministry, October 22, 1881, and to the 
eldership December 13, 1905. He served in Ohio in the Ludlow, 
Union City and Pleasant Valley Churches. 

He was an eloquent preacher but met with severe trials and 
discouragements all of which after his removal to Iowa he triumphantly 
surmounted. He represented his District on the standing committee 



466 History of the Church of the Brethren 

at the Annual Conference of 1909. On January 3, 1910, when at the 
age of 64 years, 1 month and 14 days, His life came to a close. 



JULIA A. GILBERT 

Julia Gilbert was born January 27, 1844, in Frederick County, 
Maryland. Her father, Solomon Gilbert, moved to Montgomery 
County, Ohio, in 1847. They located near the Wolf Creek Church 
near New Lebanon. She joined the church in 1858 and was noted 
for her piety and zeal. She attended many Annual Meetings. 

She early advocated the privilege of the sisters breaking the 
bread and passing the cup in the communion service like the breth- 
ren did. She was ready and anxious to meet and discuss this ques- 
tion with anyone. 

She practically framed the petition to the Annual Meeting from 
Southern Ohio and the later one from Iowa that after years of earnest 
investigation and discussion finally passed and is now the rule among 
the churches. 



JOHN H. GOOD 

John Harvey Good, son of Jesse C. and Lucy Good (nee Gilles- 
pie), was born March 21, 1895, near Marengo, Iowa. At the age of 
seven his parents moved to Ohio. He received his education in the 
rural schools, high school and Montgomery County Normal. He 
taught two school terms. 

January 20, 1917, he married Emma Viola Fuls and on March 
1, 1919, was chosen to the ministry in the Sugar Hill Church. Brother 
Good is not only good in name but good in ability. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 467 



JOSEPH GROFF 

Joseph Groff was born at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, October 7, 
1836. His parents were Abraham and Nancy Groff. His conver- 
sion occurred August, 1858. He was married to Mary Shoe Novem- 
ber 3, 1859, and elected a deacon in 1869, to the ministry in 1874, and 
ordained about 1885. Brother Groff now resides with the Covington 
congregation. He spent about fifteen years in the ministry of the 
North Star Church. He is now quite blind but his mind is active. 



NATHAN D. GROFF 

Nathan D. Groff was born at Harrisburg Pennsylvania, July 17, 
1846. His parents were Abraham and Nancy Groff. His con- 
version occurred about 1871. He was married to Emma Patterson 
in 1869. He was elected to the ministry about 1881 and about 1896, 
ordained to the eldership. His ministerial work has been confined 
largely to the North Star congregation but he has lately moved to the 
Beech Grove Church. 



S. P. GROSSNICKLE 

Simon Peter Grossnickle was born in Clermont County, Ohio, 
January 30, 1858. When about fourteen years of age he joined the 
church at Stonelick during a revival by Armanis J. Hixson. March 
28, 1887, he was chosen to the ministry. He was ordained July 22, 
1911. He moved to California in 1916, but returned with his family 
about one year later. Elder Grossnickle began teaching school in 
1878, and continued this avocation twenty years in addition to work- 
ing on the farm and his ministerial duties. His name and the later 
history of Stonelick are inseparable. 



468 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



HENRY GUMP 

Henry Gump was born March 23, 1844. He was the seventh 
son of Daniel and Margaret Gump. Most of his years were passed on 
the farm on which he was born in Miami County, Ohio. He re- 




Elder Henry Gump. 



ceived his education partly in the district school and partly through his 
own reading and practical experience. When a young man he was 
interested in music, and was considered one of Israel's sweet singers. 
He was married' to Lydia Studebaker. daughter of S. S. and Nancy 
Studebaker, by Abraham Younce, January 4, 1866. To this union 
were born eight sons and two daughters. Brother Gump gave his 
life into the Masters keeping when about twenty years old. In 1880, 
lie v/as called to the ministry and for some time was the only resident 
minister at that place. In 1886 he was ordained, and later had charge 
of the Hickory Grove Church and others as well. Also served a 
number of years as a member of the Mission Board of Southern Ohio. 
As an elder he walked worthy of his calling. His sermons were 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



469 



uplifting and helpful. He moved to Covington, in 1904. His re- 
lation with his family was most close and tender. He often prayed 
"Lord keep us faithful in thy service and give us a calm and serene 
hour in which to die," aind God answered him. His affliction was of 
a painful nature, he suffered much but his death was quiet and peace- 
ful. The funeral service was conducted by George W. Flory using as 




Lydia (Studebaker) Gump. 

text the words Elder Gump had spoken a few hours before his death, 
"It is right with God." He died October 1, 1911. His body lies 
in the Covington cemetery. 



S. S. GUMP 

S, S. Gump was born in Miami County, Ohio, July 23, 1869, the 
son of Elder Henry Gump, above mentioned. He received his early 
education in the common and high school of Bethel Township, after- 
wards attending some at Bridgewater College. He was elected to 



470 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



the ministry in the Hickory Grove Church in 1893. He preached and 
farmed until 1900, then took a three year course in Manchester Col- 
lege, spent a short time in Canada and Ohio, finally locating in 1905 
at North Manchester, Indiana, where he is engaged in the furniture 
and undertaking business. 



JOHN B. GUMP 

John B. Gump, a brother to S. S. Gump, was born May 22, 1873, 
in Miami County, Ohio. He received his education in the Bethel 
Township and Tippecanoe City schools and later attended Juniata 




Elder John B. Gump and wife. 

College and while there was baptized by Elder H. B. Brumbaugh, 
February 18, 1893. Ten years of his life was spent as a teacher. 
February 22, 1900, he was united in marriage to Emma Funderburg, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 471 



daughter of Anthony and Susanna Funderburg, by David Leather- 
man, at New Carlisle. 

He was elected to the ministry in 1900 in Hickory Grove Church. 
He did not accept until four years later. He was advanced to the 
full ministry in 1911. Besides the duties in his home church, New 
Carlisle, he is elder of the Casstown Church. 



O. P. HAINES 

O. P. Haines, second son of Joseph and Mary Haines (nee 
Pfeifer), was born April 27, 1878, near Dayton, Ohio. He gradu- 
ated from the Madison Township High School, spent some time at the 
Ohio Northern, and Miami University, and taught school ten years. 
He was converted in 1904. He was married to Bertha E. Minnich 
February 25, 1905, and was called to the ministry in the West Day- 
ton Church, March 10, 1910, and ordained September 11, 1913, at Rock- 
ford, Blinois. He spent two years at Bethany Bible School and 
served as pastor at Rockford, two years and at Cerro Gordo, three 
years. Now serving the mission at Kent, Ohio. He has conducted 
thirty revivals. He is a man of imposing physique, which, with 
his mental ability, makes him an impressive speaker. 



PAUL W. HALLADAY 

Paul W. Halladay, son of J. R. and Maggie Halladay, was born 

August 27, 1901, at North Star, Ohio. His parents moved near 

Greenville in the Poplar Grove Church territory in 1911, where he 
was received into the church in 1912. 

He was installed into the ministry at this church, October 3, 
1919. He is now attending Manchester College and is one of our 
youngest ministers. 



472 History of the Church of the Brethren 



RALPH RUSSEL HATTON 

Ralph Russel Hatton was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
July 29, 1893. He became a member of the Church of the Brethren 
on December 11, 1916. Previously he was a member of the United 
Brethren Church for eleven years. He was married to Naomi Brum- 
baugh June 2, 1917. He was elected to the ministry in the Brook- 
ville Church August 28, 1918. During all his Christian life, he has 
taken an active part in Sunday-school work. He is now the pastor of 
the Rush Creek Church. 



J. Q. HELMAN 

James Quinter Helman was born May 9, 1859, in Indiana County, 
Pennsylvania. When six years of age he moved with his parents to 
Darke County, Ohio. His boyhood was spent around Bradford and 
Covington. Graduating from the Covington schools he began teach- 
ing at the age of eighteen years. He was married to Maggie E. 
Coblentz of New Madison in 1879. There came into this home six 
sons and one daughter. He and his wife were baptized by Elder 
David Wine at the Sugar Grove Church in 1879. Pie was chosen to 
the ministry in the Pleasant Valley Church, July 1, 1893. Ordained 
in the Poplar Grove Church, September. 4, 1915. He was an interest- 
ing and enthusiastic preacher and held his audience well. He de- 
parted this life at Covington, October 12, 1917. 



LESTER HEISEY 

Lester Pleisey was born near Phillipsburg, Ohio, September 17, 
1881. In his youth he worked away from home mainly near Pots- 
dam, Miami County, at which place he united with the church in 



of the Southern District of Ohio 473 

January, 1898. His education was received in the public school where 
he was an apt scholar. After his marriage to Emma Miller, he fol- 
lowed farming until 1908 when he was called to the ministry in the 
West Milton Church. One year later he and his wife took the pastor- 
ate of the Charleston Church, stayed nearly five years then moved to 
the Price's Creek Church for one year, thence accepted a position as 
pastor of the Richland Church near Mansfield. He has done some 
evangelistic work. Recently he moved to Georgetown, Ohio. 



WALTER J. HEISEY 

Walter Jeremiah Heisey was born near Union, Ohio, September 
17, 1890. His parents are Albert and Susan Heisey, members of the 
River Brethren Church. In 1902, he was converted. In 1911, the 
West Milton Church called him to the ministry. The next few years 
finds him holding some revival meetings and endeavoring to com- 
plete his educational work by attending Bethany Bible School and 
Manchester College from which latter institution he was graduated 
with the A. B. degree in 1917. He was married to Sue Rinehart, of 
Boston, Indiana, June 2, 1917, who, when the Conference the same year 
dedicated them to the China Mission Field, went with her husband 
across the seas and bravely assists him there in his work. 



DANIEL C. HENDRICKSON 

Daniel C. Hendrickson was born at Fidelity, Ohio, September 22, 
1839. The greater part of his life was spent on the farm. On 
August 31, 1861, he was married to Rachel Pfoutz. To this union 
were born three sons and four daughters. From 1866 to 1877 he 
live;! in Crawford County, Illinois. It was there he united with the 
Church of the Brethren in 1875 He returned to Ohio, locating in 
Middle District where he was elected minister in 1884. He was 



474 History of the Church of the Brethren 

ordained as elder in 1805 His wife died November 29, 1905. On 
November 24, 1908, he was married to Anna Arnet. He moved to 
West Milton in 1899 and to Pitsburg about 1908 where he died March 
26, 1917. He was courteous, enthusiastic and devoted. 



JACOB A. HEPNER 

Jacob A. Hepner, son of John and Elizabeth Hepner (nee Diehl), 
was born May 24, 1828, near Johnsville, Ohio. He was the second 
child in a family of six. We was united in marriage to Eva Neff 
September 19, 1852, and to them were born five sons and seven 
daughters. He was a successful farmer. While never occupying 
any official position in the church, his large fund of practical common 
sense made him a valuable member of the Book and Tract committee, 
serving one term. He died June 12, 1898. 



DORSEY HODGDEN 

Dorsey Hodgden was born in Union County, Ohio, November 
26, 1855, the son of Elder Sidney Hodgden. His mother was a 
daughter of Elder H. D. Davy. With his parents he moved to 
Greene County, Missouri, and later to Neosha County, Kansas. He 
united with the church April 15, 1874, and the same year was elected 
to the ministry. In 1875 he came to Roann Church, Indiana, where 
he married Martha Neff February 7, 1878, and the same year moved to 
the Clear Creek Church, Indiana, where they lived until 1912 when 
they moved to Dayton, Ohio. He has been an elder since 1882, was 
an elder of the Clear Creek Church thirty years and served on the 
standing committee twice. He was prominent in evangelistic work 
for twenty years but since coming to Dayton has given his time 
largely to his real estate business but takes quite an interest in the 
work of the West Dayton Church where he now holds his member- 
ship. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



475 



GEORGE HOLLER 

George Holler was born February 16, 1817, in Frederick County, 
Maryland. When but a boy, of six or seven, his parents emigrated 
to Ohio settling on the then virgin soil of the Miami, which ever 
after remained the scene of his activity. At the time of his death 
which occurred December 3, 1904, he was aged 87 years, 9 months and 
17 days, being then the oldest elder in Southern Ohio. He was 
joined in matrimony, November 1, 1838, to Lydia Hoffman, who 
shared the joys and sorrows of his life for more than sixty-six years. 




Elder George Holler. 
One of the best remembered of the later pioneer elders of the Miami Valley. 



To them were born nine children, seven boys and two girls. Two 
boys preceded him to the spirit world. Two of his sons became 
ministers. One son was a deacon in the home church. For more 
than fifty-three years he served the Lower Miami Church in the 
ministry and eldership. As an expository preacher he could not 
be called great but in exhortation his remarks were always sympa- 
thetic and touching. He was possessed of a remarkably strong 
voice which, with its peculiar sympathetic chord, enabled him to 
administer sympathy to the bereaved or discouraged in an effective 
way. To many in his church he was bound by kindred ties, so the 
memory of him and his work is bound to endure. In his makeup, 
he was genial, outspoken, kind and tolerant but firm in his decisions. 
His funeral services were conducted in the church near his home, 



476 History of the Church of the Brethren 

after which his body was conveyed to the adjacent cemetery over 
which, owing to its proximity to his late residence, his eyes must 
have daily wandered as he meditated on the future destiny of man. 



uKgngnnn] 



JACOB HOLLER 

Jacob Holler was born November 12, 1840, near Dayton, Ohio. 
He was united in matrimony to Elizabeth Shank, April 11, 1867. One 
son, Isaac, was born to this union. His wife died December 22, 
1919. He was elected a deacon in early manhood in the Lower 
Miami Church, and shortly after to the ministry. He was a son of 
Elder George Holler. As a minister, he was an able and energetic 
speaker, and while never having had the advantage- of a college 
education, he was the possessor of a good vocabulary. In his sermons 
he was original. He was liberal to an extent practiced by few. One 
of the marked traits of his character was his regard for the poor. 
In him they found a constant friend. Much of his time and means 
were given for their benefit. He loved to go among the poorer 
class of churches in Michigan and Ohio preaching and working for 
the Master. May 12, 1895, he preached his last sermon, from Genesis 
25:27, subject, "Plainness." None realized, as they beheld his stal- 
wart physique, that the discourse he was then delivering was to be his 
farewell sermon in this life to the Lower Miami Church. He died 
May 20, 1895. 



H. W. HOLLER 

H. W. Holler was born June 12, 1878. His parents were Perry 
E. and Susan Mary Holler (nee Ullery). His conversion occurred at 
the Stillwater Union house, October 11, 1909. He was married to 
Laura May Mummaw, February 20, 1902, was elected a deacon 



of the Southern District of Ohio 477 

April 16, 1911, and to the ministry January 10, 1912. His 
church home is the Ft. McKinley congregation though he has labored 
much at the Union house at Stillwater Junction in former years near 
which his residence is located. He is a grandson of Elder George 
Holler. 



MOSES HOLLINGER 

Moses Hollinger. son of Daniel and Rebecca Hollinger was born 
in Pennsylvania, November 27, 1828. He came with his parents to 
Miami County in 1835 and moved to Darke County in 1860 where he 
lived the rest of his days. He was baptized when nineteen, elected 
deacon in 1864 and to the ministry in 1881, and ordained May 21, 
1910. 

He was married to Susanna Wise, September 12, 1852. To 
this union were born ten sons and four daughters. She died April 
21, 1882. He then married Mary Van Ormer (nee Shellenbarger), 
January 4, 1883. She died September 21, 1908. Elder Hollinger 
was a most remarkable man ; up until two weeks before his death, he 
had no occasion to call a doctor to his aid. He died November 13, 
1916. 



JEREMIAH HOLLINGER 

Jeremiah Hollinger was born near Greenville, Ohio, January 30, 
1855. He was married to Angeline Bookwalter, February 25, 1882. 
He taught school a number of years. He and wife united with the 
church at Oakland in 1883, later he moved to Harris Creek, where he 
was elected deacon in 1897. He has been a trustee of the Brethren 
Home since 1914, and was its superintendent two years. He lives 
in Greenville. 



478 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



DAVID HOLLINGER 

David Hollinger is the eldest son of Samuel and Mary Hollinger 
(nee Kunkel). He was born April 13, 1855, and reared on a farm 
eight miles southwest of Greenville, Ohio. His father died when 
he was nineteen years of age and the .responsibility of the home de- 
prived him of further education than that which he had received in 
common school. In 1876 he was married to Catherine Risser, the 
youngest daughter of Elder Joseph Risser. 

He was elected to the ministry in June, 1882, in the Palestine 
Church and later spent two years in Bible work at Mt. Morris, Illinois. 



BBS " 

B 




lliwPiSmi^ 





Elder David Hollinger and wife. 
Long an elder of the Greenville Church, before he went to Canada. 



In 1895 they left the farm and moved to North Manchester, Indiana, 
where he became associated with the school. He served as trustee 
for five years and was ordained here in 1897. During their stay here 
they lost both their sons by death. By invitation of the Mission 
Board of Southern Ohio, they moved in August 1900, to the mission at 
Greenville, receiving a partial support for three years, the remaining 
time mostly free service until March, 1917, when on account of finan- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 479 

cial interests, they moved to Redcliffe, Alta, Canada, preaching there 
twice each Lord's! day. Elder Hollinger has served three times on the 
standing committee from Southern Ohio, besides many other commit- 
tees and has done much evangelistic work. Sister Hollinger is a 
worthy helper in his work. 



E. SYLVESTER HOLLINGER 

E. Sylvester Hollinger was born near Hollansburg, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 6, 1887. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth Hollinger. 
He was received into the church in November, 1901. He married 
Elizabeth Wandle March 23, 1810. He was elected to the ministry 
November 25, 1911, by the Beech Grove congregation. He has spent 
most of his life on the farm. He attended one term at Manchester 
College and one term at Bethany Bible School. He is a fine, unas- 
suming, consecrated worker. 



B. F. HONEYMAN 

B. F. Honeyman was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 27, 
1849. His parents were Michael and Laurinda Honeyman. His 
conversion occurred in July, 1878. He was married to Esther Macy 
January 6, 1872. He was elected to the ministry, November 18, 1885, 
and was ordained to the eldership in 1909. He has lived in various 
church territories at different times. Especially the Oakland, Salem, 
and Lower Stillwater churches. Of the latter church he had charge 
1915 to 1916. In the last few years he has spent much of his time in 
Florida. In former years he did evangelistic work. Elder Honey- 
man is genial in disposition, and fluent and energetic in his public 
speaking. 



480 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



SAMUEL W. HOOVER 

Samuel W. Hoover, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Hoover (nee 
Cripe, was born April 16, 1837, near Liberty, Ohio. His educational 
privileges were limited. When twenty-one, he confessed Christ and 
January 26, 1860, he married Catherine Bashore. Two children of 
this union are living, Oliver Perry, and William I. T. He engaged 
in the nursery business and this afforded a channel for his boundless 




Samuel W. Hoover and wife. 
He was the chairman of the Book and Tract Committee. 



energy and he was successful. August 16, 1882, he was called to the 
ministry in the Lower Stillwater Church. Although forty-five years 
old, when the habits of life are fixed in most men, he seemed to 
have caught a new vision for the expansion of his spiritual activities. 
The Book and Tract committee is formed, and he becomes the 
hustling chairman of it as long as it has existance, until it is merged 
into the general missionary committee, upon which new board he con- 
tinues until his death. The West Dayton Church is organized and he be- 
comes its logical worker. With unlimited vim and zeal, he 
entered his work, but his physical strength refused to bear the strain, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 481 

and on Sunday evening, March 10, 1895 while delivering his dis- 
course, in the presence of his congregation, he suddenly expired. He 
was buried in the Ft. McKinley cemetery. 



OLIVER PERRY HOOVER 

Oliver Perry Hoover was born March 31, 1864. near Dayton. 
Ohio. His parents were Samuel W. and Catherine Hoover (nee 
Bashore). His conversion occurred June 3, 1883. He was united 
in marriage March 3, 1886, to Ida Alice Klepinger. July 31, 1890, 
he was chosen to the ministry by the West Dayton Church. Pie re- 
ceived his education at Mount Morris College, DePauw University, 
University of Leipzig, Germany and University of Chicago. He 
carries the degrees M. A. and Litt. D. At the time of his gradua- 
tion there was little pulpit support given, hence he chose teaching as 
a profession. He has taught in DePauw Academy, Juniata College, 
and since 1904 to the present, in the St. Louis High School. He is 
fluent in conversation and has a genial disposition. 



WILLIAM I. T. HOOVER 

William I. T. Hoover was born near Dayton, Ohio, March 8, 
1869. He is a brother to O. P. Hoover. He became a member of 
the church at West Dayton in November, 1890. He was married 
to Carrie May Yundt in June, 1892. He was elected to the ministry 
at West Dayton Church April 30, 1892. He received his education 
at Mount Morris College, Wittenburg College and DePauw University 
and has the degrees Ph. B. ; M. A. and Ph. D. He preached in West 
Dayton Church 1895 to 1899. He was president of Lordsburg Col- 
lege 1899 to 1901. He was a professor in Manchester College 1901 
to 1906; in Bridgewater College 1906 to 1909; in Blue Ridge College 



482 History of the Church of the Brethren 

1909 to 1912; La Verne College 1912 to the present. Intellectually 
well equipped, he is oratorically strong. 



iiumiffl^ rtpC ^ininiii n 



JOHNATHAN HOOVER 

Johnathan Hoover, son of Samuel and Sarah Hoover, was born 
near Covington, Ohio. August 28, 1848. Early in life he was married 
to Leah Landis, who departed this life in June, 1896. He then, 
October 12, 1898, was united in marriage to Mary Ditmer. Again, 
April 7, 1913, his life was saddened by the removal by death of his 
companion. He was elected to the ministry by the Loramie Church 
and was a willing worker here for many years. Later in life he 
moved into the Salem Church territory, and June 19, 1913, was re- 
ceived by letter into the West Milton Church. Here while preaching 
April 26, 1914, to a good assembly of this congregation, the death 
angel touched him, and "he was no more for God took him." 



nnnEiDjBj^ftffliz nniB 



JONAS HORNING 

Jonas Horning was born in Eastern Pennsylvania, April 27, 1839. 
He was the son of William and Hannah Horning (nee Price). His 
parents moved to Ohio in 1840 and located near New Lebanon. He 
grew up on the farm under the best of parental care. He joined 
church in 1862. He married Catherine Bowser March 6, 1864. 
They moved into the territory of the Lower Twin Church where he 
was elected to the deaconship in November, 1876. He was called 
to the ministry in 1881 and in 1889 given charge of the church, which 
he held quite a while and became a father to his flock. He served 
on the District Mission Board and was one of the committee to formu- 
late the plan under which the present board works. He also served 
on the Trustee Board of the Brethren Home for many years. To 
the welfare of this Home, Elder Horning has given much of his 



of the Southern District of Ohio 483 

thought and time. His ingenuity and breadth of judgment were 
very helpful in the erection- of the buildings and general management 




Elder Jonas Horning. 
An early, earnest advocate of the Brethren Home. 

of the enterprise at the beginning. He is a brother to Elder Samuel 
Horning of the Eversole church. 



msm 



SAMUEL HORNING 

Samuel Horning was born near New Lebanon, March 5, 1848. 
His parents came from Eastern Pennsylvania, his mother belonging 
to the gifted Price family. The Hornings were ingenious, his father 
being the inventor of several useful farm implements. He married 
Anna Eversole, September 10, 1871, and joined the church May 12, 
1872. He served with much success in the deaconship from Decem- 
ber 2, 1881; the ministry from August 31, 1882 and the eldership 
since August 29, 1901. He was the first Presiding Elder of the 
Eversole Church, 1910. He is a fluent speaker and has held a number 
of series of meetings, with much success. His fine social qualities 
gave him much influence among all classes of people and he was 
much called on to solemnize the martial vows and comfort the be- 



484 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



reaved. He had a family of three children, two sons, called awav 
in young manhood, and a daughter, Clara, whose husband is a promis- 
ing minister, Clarence G. Erbaugh. 




Elder Samuel Horning and wife. 
The First Presiding Elder of the Eversole Church. 



m%- 



ENOCH HYER 

Enoch Hyer was born November 20, 1833, in the bounds of the 
Lower Miami Church in which locality he ever after lived. He be- 
came a member of the church when twenty-two years old. He was 
married to Mary Ann Keen, February 20, 1859, to which union two 
sons and one daughter were born, one son dying in infancy. Soon after 
his marriage he was chosen to the deaconship, then as he approached 
middle life in 1882, to the ministry and ordained June 3, 1897. Some- 
time after this he became the Presiding Elder of the Lower Miami 
Church until his resignation, March 6, 1913. Elder Hyer was not a 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



485 



fluent talker in the pulpit. Later in life he seldom attempted to 
preach. His private life was a constant sermon for good. In church 




Elder Enoch Hyer and wife. 

attendance he easily ranked first. His. seat was never vacant, 
died December 22, 1913. His wife died January 28, 1915. 



He 



1 1 1 m i ing9»] 



JESSE CALVERT INMAN 

Jesse Calvert Inman, son of Isaac L. and Ella Inman (nee Frey), 
was born near Bradford, Ohio, November 23, 1886. He came to 
the church in 1900. He attended the high school of Bradford from 
which he graduated in 1908. May 17, 1911, he was joined in holy 
wedlock with Sophia, daughter of William and Sophia Schwartz (nee 
Burmeister). Brother Inman was called to the ministry by the 
Covington Church, April 25, 1914. Shortly afterwards he moved to 
the Sidney Church. July 1, 1916, he moved to Springfield where he 
is pastor and pursues his duties with spirit and zeal. 



486 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



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Elder J. C. Inman and wife. 
He is pastor of the Springfield Church. 



HERSCHEL M. JOBES 

Herschel M. Jobes was born in Darke County, Ohio, February 
1, 1890. He was the fourth child of Cornelius Jobes who in an ac- 
cident met with instant death. Thrown somewhat on his own re- 
sources, he has, in the face of obstacles, acquired a good education, 
graduating in 1919 at Manchester College with the A. B. degree. Pre- 
viously, he also attended Bethany Bible School two years and taught 
common school three years. May 3, 1913, he was married to Pearl 
May Lutz. He united with the church at Painter Creek January 
15, 1911, and on June 22, 1918, at Pitsburg was elected to the ministry. 
For two years he was assistant science and commercial teacher at 
Manchester College. 






of the Southern District of Ohio 487 



ISAAC KARNS 

He was most likely of Pennsylvania birth and rearing. He came to 
Salem Church territory from Stark County some time prior to 1817. 
He was of Lutheran parentage, and married into one of the Brethren 
families. All went well until the coming of their first born (whom 
they christened Jacob) when the question of baptizing the baby came 
up, Isaac insisted that it now became their duty to call their minis- 
ter and have the sacred rite performed. His wife stoutly protested, 
claiming infant baptism non-scriptural. She held that baptism re- 
quired the exercise of faith, and with infants this would be impossible. 

Isaac was perplexed. At this juncture his father-in-law came 
to see them. After hearing her story, he suggested that she permit 
it as a means of satisfying Isaac, since it could not harm the baby, 
though there was no Scripture requiring such a service. Again Isaac 
protested and this time made an effort to find the much needed Scrip- 
ture. Failing in this, he proposed a meeting of his minister and his 
father-in-law. After some conversation, the minister confessed lack of 
"direct" Scripture, but it was "policy" to thus do, for in that way they 
were brought into the church. 

To say that Isaac was amazed at this turn of affairs was plain. 
He began to search the Scriptures for himself and soon he and his wife 
became applicants for baptism in the Brethren Church. He was 
elected to the ministry, ordained and later presided over Salem Church 
until 1848 when he moved to Eel River Church, Indiana. The afore- 
said baby, Jacob, followed in the foot-steps of his father going with him 
to Indiana where they labored in the Master's cause until called home. 



JEREMIAH KATHERMAN 

Jeremiah Katherman was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, 
September 16, 1822, and at the age of eighteen, came to Ohio. He 
was united in marriage to Anna Christian, March 16, 1843, to which 



488 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



union thirteen children were born, two dying in infancy. He be- 
came a member of the church in 1845. He served as a deacon six 
years and as a minister nearly twenty-seven years. He was ordained 
in 1881. The Oakland Church was the field of his service and he 







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Elder Jeremiah Katherman and wife. 
An early elder in the Oakland Church. 

was ever ready to discharge his duty. While he and his wife were 
in Michigan visiting some of his children, he took sick and died, 
September 24, 1899. His body was brought back to Ohio and buried 
in the Harris Creek cemetery. Elders Tobias Kreider and W. K. 
Simmons had charge of the services. 



JOSEPH N. KAUFFMAN 

Joseph N. Kauffman, son of David and Frances Kauffman, was 
born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and married to Mag- 
dalene Yoder in 1839. They came to Logan County in 1843. Some 
years afterward they moved to Champaign County, where they re- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 489 

sided until 1877 when they moved to Clark County. Upon the res- 
ignation of Elder John Frantz he was given the oversight of the 
church which place he filled for ten years. Elder Kauffman was the 
father of ten children. In 1890 he was married to Julia A. Wood of 
Virginia. After his marriage he moved to Virginia where in the 
same year he died. His body rests in the New Carlisle cemetery. 
He was a close student of the Bible and church history. 



JACOB KEEN 

Jacob Keen was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery 
County, Ohio, December 24, 1815, on a farm almost in sight of where 
the first Dunker movement originated in Southwestern Ohio. On 
this farm he lived for over ninety years. His long life spans almost 
the entire first century's history of the church in the Miami Valley, 
hence a brief notice here. . He married Catherine Holler May 15, 
1834, and was elected to the deacon's office April 23, 1848, in the 
Lower Miami Church. He was a skilled mechanic, though he lived 
on a farm, a good financier and counsellor. He had five daughters 
and one son, but only three lived to maturity and married. Mary was 
married to Enoch Hyer, Sarah to John Stebbins, and Rachael to John 
Huffer. By direct descent or marriage into these families and the 
relationships of his wife, a large number of the officials of the 
Lower Miami Church have come. 

Brother Keen's father-in-law was Elder Frederick Holler, his 
brother-in-law was Elder George Holler, two nephews, John and Jacob 
Holler, were ministers. His son-in-law was Elder Enoch Hyer. 
Elder J. O. Garst's wife is a grandchild. The youngest preacher of 
Lower Miami, John M. Garst is a great-grandchild. Levi Holler, a 
deacon, was a nephew. While of the present officials H. O. Steb- 
bins, a deacon, is a grandchild and Bruce Ruble, a deacon, is married 
to a great-grandchild. Walter Holler, a minister of the Fort McKinley 
Church, is also a great-nephew. While many others of his descen- 



490 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



dants are worthy members of the church. His wife with whom he 
had lived almost sixty-six years died March 19, 1900. From that time 
his life seemed saddened and he departed Junuary 29, 1906. 




Jacob Keen. 
A pioneer deacon of the last century. 



D. H. KELLER 

D. H. Keller was born in Pennsylvania February 6, 1873, where 
he grew to manhood, attending the public schools and graduating from 
the Hope High School and attended McPherson College. He united 
with the church in 1892, was elected to the ministry in 1898, and or- 
dained in 1910. He was married to Martha E. Hilary, February 24, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



491 



1897, a fine assistant ever since. He taught school in Kansas, Iowa, 
and Minnesota, also held pastorates in the last two states. From 1913- 
to 1916, he efficiently served the West Dayton Church, also Southern 




Elder D. H. Keller and wife. 

Ohio, once as clerk at the District Meeting, and in 1916 on the stand- 
ing committee. From Ohio he went to Chicago and is now at Grundy 
Center, Iowa. He is an energetic and capable minister. 



WILLIAM J. KELLER 

William J. Keller, son of John and Caroline Keller, was born in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, August 2, 1873, and was converted Thanks- 
giving Day, 1908, at Fort McKinley Church. He was married first 
to Bertha Jane Coy, May 9, 1910. She died and he was married 
to Elsie M. Landis, February 4, 1917. He was elected to the 



492 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



ministry September 29, 1914, by the Fort McKinley Church where he 
resides. He attended the winter term of 1915-16 at Bethany Bible 
School. He is a plumber by trade in addition to his ministerial duties. 



JESSE KINSEY 

Jesse Kinsey was born in Randolph Township, Montgomery 
County, Ohio, November 5, 1836. His grandfather, David Kinsey, 
with three other families of Brethren emigrated from Lancaster 
County, Pennsylvania in 1805 and thus were charter members of the 
first organization in the Miami Valley. 

They settled on north branch of Wolf Creek two miles southeast 
of present village of Clayton. This farm was long known as the 




Elder Jesse Kinsey and wife- 

Kinsey homestead and here Jacoo, father of Jesse, grew to manhood, 
married and reared his family. His wife was Susan Boyer, daughter 
of Samuel Boyer who came from Botetourt County, Virginia, about 
1815. Jacob Kinsey was born October 19, 1805. He served the 
church many years as a deacon and departed this life near Trot wood, 
Ohio, December 30, 1882, as an official of Lower Stillwater Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 493 

His wife died November, 1892. His second son, Jesse, grew to man- 
hood on the Kinsey homestead obtaining such common school educa- 
tion as those times afforded. February 23, 1860, he married Chris- 
tina Wolf, daughter of Jacob B. and Catherine Wolf, of Lower Still- 
water Church. 

In 1865 they located on a farm northwest of Clayton on the 
National Road where they continued through life. The same year 
they united with Salem Church and in August, 1866. were installed in- 
to the deacon's service. In August, 1872, he was called to the ministry, 
ordained in 1885 and given charge of the church in 1889. He was 
a man of rare good judgment, added to a sincere and devoted life. 
His council was much sought. He made visits to the churches in 
the southern hill counties. He had many calls to funerals and solem- 
nized over four hundred marriages. His home was one of genuine 
hospitality. No children were born to their family, but their parental 
care was shown in rearing four orphans to manhood and womanhood. 
He died September 17, 1899. His wife survived until August 16, 
1910. 



WILLIAM KLEPINGER 

William Klepinger, son of George and Maria Klepinger (nee 
Loutzenhizer), was born September 21, 1835, in Montgomery County, 
Ohio. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Bowser, December 
18, 1856. She was a daughter of Henry and Catherine Bowser (nee 
Long). To them were born six sons and three daughters. He 
united with the Lower Stillwater Church in 1858. Here he served 
as deacon for more than twenty years and in 1881, was called to the 
ministry, and later ordained. Elder Klepinger's life was devoid of 
ambition for power or position, but was one of frankness and simplic- 
ity. " March 12, 1910, he died. June 10, 1917, his wife followed 
him. Their home was long a place of entertainment for the visit- 
ing minister. 



494 History of the Church of the Brethren 




Elder William Klepinger. 
Long a faithful elder in the Lower Stillwater Church. 



ALFRED L. KLEPINGER 

Alfred L. Klepinger, son of Deacon Henry and Elizabeth Klep- 
inger (nee Miller), was born near Dayton, Ohio, January 19, 1862. 
George Klepinger, the grandfather, came from Pennsylvania. Al- 
fred grew upon the farm with pleasant associations as his father 
and mother had nine children born to them. He supplemented his 
education by taking a business course in Dayton and normal work at 
Valparaiso, Indiana, and Ada, Ohio. 

He taught school a number of years. He joined the church in 1896, 
was elected to the ministry in 1898 and ordained in 1909, and after 
the Fort McKinley Church was organized, presided over it for some 
years. He married Mary Olive Miller, September 22, 1895, and has 
four children. He has done some evangelistic work and is a fine text 
sermonizer. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



495 




Elder Alfred L. Klepinger. 



EVA KINDELL 



The subject of this brief sketch probably enjoys the distinction of 
being the longest in office through consecutive years, of any sister 
Sunday-school superintendent in the Miami Valley. Sister Eva Kindell 
has occupied that position for nearly a score of years. She was 
born at Deedsville, Indiana, September 5, 1865, united with the church 
in 1880 and was married to J. B. Kindell, September 22, 1889. One 
daughter was born to them. Sister Eva, previous to her marriage, 
took some school work at Mount Morris College and Peru, Indiana. 



496 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Since December, 1900, she has been elected annually, superintendent 
of the Pleasant Hill Sunday school. 




Eva Kindell. 



TOBIAS KREIDER 

Tobias Kreider was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 
27, 1826. He married Lydia Wellbaum December 30, 1847. They 
moved near Painter Creek, Darke County, in the spring of 1848. 
They early joined the Church of the Brethren. Fourteen children 
were born to them, ten of whom survived their parents. Brother 
Kreider was elected to the ministry June 25, 1864, in which respon- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



497 



sible capacity he faithfully labored, preaching hundreds of funerals 
in Darke and adjoining counties and solemnizing many marriages. 
He was ordained and for a score of years presided over the Lud- 
low Church. He also presided over a number of other churches. 
His usual brotherly kindness and fatherly sympathy gave him great 




Elder Tobias Kreider and wife. 



power in settling troubles. He represented on standing committee in 
1894. Seven weeks before his death, his wife died, which seemed 
to cast a gloom over his mind, which doubtless affected it, as he came 
to his death in a tragic way, his body being found in the water of a 
gravel pit on the morning of October 15, 1902, where he had gone the 
preceding night. Twenty-seven ministers and about three thousand 



498 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



people attended his funeral. Elder Kreider, in disposition, was 
social, jovial and kindhearted, and was respected by all. 



LAWRENCE KREIDER 

Lawrence Kreider was the son of Elder Tobias and Lydia 
Kreider, born in Franklin Township, Darke County, Ohio, December 
5, 1871. His conversion occurred September 23, 1894. He was 




Elder Lawrence Kreider and wife. 
One of the elders of the Painter Creek Church. 



married to Armina Shafer January 29, 1891. He was elected to 
the ministry by the Ludlow congregation June 22, 1901, and ordained 
August 27, 1910. 

His main work in the ministry has been done in the Painter Creek 
Church where he is now Associate Presiding Elder. Pie is a 
zealous minister whose preaching is enthusiastic, evidencing a deep 
inner consecration of spirit to the Lord's work. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 499 



WILLIS C. KREIDER 

Willis C. Kreider was born in Franklin Township, Darke County, 
Ohio, February 18, 1875, being the son of Elder Tobias and Lydia 
Kreider. He was converted April 19, 1900, and entered the ministry 
March 28, 1908. He married Pearl Besecker September 26, 1895. 
He preaches in turn at Painter Creek and Red River. 



iiiiiiu m^ M &i 111 m n 



RAYMOND M. LANTIS 

Raymond M. Lantis was born in Preble County, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 13, 1886. Tie gave his heart to the Lord, April 19, 1903. He 
was united in marriage to Mae E. Brumbaugh, February 16, 1906. 
They lived in Alabama for a while, where he was put into the ministry 
at Fruitdale, December 30, 1911. They returned to Ohio, uniting 
with the West Dayton congregation for a time. By request of the 
Palestine Church, he moved there in 1915 and was ordained June 8, 
1916. He was given charge of the church, September 8, 1917, and 
still presides over it. 



DAVID LEATHERMAN 

David Leatherman was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, 
August 4, 1841. At the age of fourteen years he came to Clark 
County, Ohio, where he resided until his death. In 1870 he was 
married to Mary Smith. To this union were born two daughters, 
Mrs. George Croft and Mrs. Varner Stockstill, who reside near New 
Carlisle. In 1878 he and his wife were baptized at McKee's Mill, 
an historic place of baptism, near New Carlisle. In 1882 he was 



500 History of the Church of the Brethren 

called to the ministry in the Donnel's Creek Church, and ordained in 
18.6. He served the Donnel's Creek Church as Presiding Elder for 
over eight years, resigning because of a defect in his hearing. When 
a separate congregation was organized, by the members living near 
New Carlisle, he was, unanimous consent, chosen as Presiding 
Elder, serving one year. As a ruling elder he was possessed of good 
executive ability. He was able to grasp clearly the facts of any 







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Elder David Leatherman and wife. 

situation, and was a strong contender for the old ways. Having 
a fine knowledge of the Bible himself, he believed in the "instant 
in season and out of season" method of preaching. He enjoyed see- 
ing the "boys" in the ministry called on unexpectedly. On many 
occasions he called for a text from his audience, and quite often he 
then preached his best sermons. He possessed a keen, ready wit, 
which was manifested in conversation, and often in his public utter- 
ances. 

His labors were largely of the pioneer type. For six years, 
in his early ministry, he drove to Summerford, in Madison County, 
a distance of thirty-five miles, going on Saturday, preaching and re- 
turning on Sunday. He also drove to Greene County, a distance 
of twenty miles, and held services among the isolated members. He 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



501 



believed in a free gospel. During these years of service for the 
Master, he was engaged in farming, but the pressing duties of the 
farm did not keep him from answering the many calls. In his 
ministry he preached nearly 300 funerals and officiated at about 100 
weddings. He continued his farm and ministerial labors until a very 
brief time before his death. Leaving the farm, he moved to New 
Carlisle, where he died November 29, 1918. In his ministerial duties, 
Sister Leatherman was a real helpmeet. Together they cast a strong, 
helpful influence. 




Elder Rolland N. Leatherman and wife. 
He is the pastor of the Cincinnati Church. 



502 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



ROLAND N. LEATHERMAN 

Roland N. Leatherman, son of John and Mary Leatherman (nee 
Dresner), was born near Springfield, Ohio, January 29, 1888. He 
came to the church December 21, 1903, and was called to the ministry 
September 15, 1909. He spent five years in school work in Chicago, 
most of which was at Bethany Bible School. While in Chicago he 
met and married Pearl C, daughter of Jacob and Elma Shutt (nee 
Neher). 

After his marriage which occurred March 24, 1912 he moved to 
Chicago. October 15, 1914 he moved to Champaign, Illinois, where 
he took charge of the mission. He was ordained March 18, 1917. 
September 12, 1917, he moved to Ohio where he assumed the pastoral 
duties of the Cincinnati Church. He is possessed of rare natural 
ability, and has held a number of successful revivals. 





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The Longanecker Twin Preachers. 
Joseph Longanecker Henry Longanecker. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



503 



JOSEPH AND HENRY C. LONGANECKER 

These elders, the oldest twin ministers of the church of 
the Brethren or perhaps of any denomination, were born in George- 
town (Potsdam), Ohio, September 19, 1848. They were the twin 
sons of Benjamin and Rebecca Longanecker (nee Wellbaum). The 
astonishing physical resemblance they bear one another is only equaled 
by the similarity of their pulpit methods which is of an earnest 
energetic type. 



Joseph married Emeline Al- 
baugh, August 22, 1869. . They 
joined the church in 1870. They 
had five children, three living. 
She died September 1, 1879, and 
September 16, 1880, he married 
Maggie Albaugh, sister of the 
former. Three children were 
born. She died February 16, 
1911, and May 27, 1914, he mar- 
ried Anna Shank (nee Sipe), 
whose first marriage he had 
solemnized and had baptized her 
into the church. He was elected 
to the ministry at Union City in 
1882 and ordained at Price's Creek 
in 1900. He moved to Price's 
Creek in 1885, and presided over 
the church from 1900 to 1918. 
Elder Joseph made a most success- 
ful solicitor for the Brethren 
Home. He helped also to lo- 
cate it. Pie recently moved from 
the Price's Creek Church to 
Brookville, Ohio, where he now 
resides, and is active in the Mas- 
ter's service. 



Henry married Matilda Isen- 
berger September 12, 1869. He 
was baptized in 1870. He was 
elected to the ministry in 1882, 
was ordained in the Berthold 
church, North Dakota, in 1902. 
He served Mosquito Creek from 
1893 to 1895, Anderson, Indiana, 
one year, then Sidney from 1896 
to 1900. He moved to North 
Dakota and organized the Bert- 
hold Church in 1901, serving here 
nine years, then in 1910, moved 
to Tekoa, Washington, serving 
three years and also as elder over 
three other churches. He moved 
back to Berthold in 1913, and 
back to Ohio in 1916, locating in 
the Poplar Grove Church territory. 
Up to 1919, he had baptized 112, 
officiated at 126 funerals, and 
fifty-seven marriages. Since 
the above was written, Elder 
Henry died April 22, 1920, in the 
Poplar Grove district, aged 
seventy-one years, seven months 
and five days. 



504 History of the Church of the Brethren 



OMER B. MAPHIS 

Omer B. Maphis. son of Franklin B. and S. Elizabeth Maphis 
(nee Dafler), was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 16, 1894, 
two months and two days after the death of his father. April 2, 
1905 he united with the church. He graduated from the Brookville 
High School 1912. The two years following he spent at Manches- 
ter College. Part of the year 1914 he attended Ohio State Uni- 
versity. He was called to the ministry by the Brookville congrega- 
tion August 25, 1914. The year 1914-1915 he improved at the Blue 
Ridge College from which he received his A. B. degree that year. 
July 1, 1915 he assumed pastoral duties of the Springfield mission. 
One year later he resigned and is now at Bethany Bible School. 



iNiiniui0 ^X; ((5iiiiLiiiiiji 



THOMAS AND SARAH MAJOR 

In 1842 Thomas Major and Sister Sarah Righter were united in 
marriage. In 1847 they came to Ohio, locating in Highland County. 
Sarah was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1808. 
Her father was a minister of the Church of the Brethren. The date 
of Brother Major's birth is not accessible. Both were recipients of 
a common school education. Sister Major has the distinction of 
being the first sister to exercise in the pulpit as speaker. Her in- 
spiration to serve in such capacity came from hearing Harriet Liver- 
more, a prominent speaker of that day. Almost simultaneous with 
her conversion came the call to preach. Public sentiment in church 
circles did not appreciate sisters taking such extended liberties at 
this time. Her father sympathized with his daughter, as also did 
other ministers of note. By her mild and wise counsels she did much 
acceptable work in the church, also in jails, infirmaries etc. To 
help earth's creatures and the cause of the Lord Jesus was the love of 
her life. But on September 18. 1884, she passed away, loved by all 
who knew her. Her husband followed four years later. Their 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



505 



bodies lie in the cemetery at Greenfield, Ohio. Three children came 
to brighten their home and they were prospered in earthly things. 
On one occasion the surrey in which they were traveling to their 
appointment at the Lexington church broke down in the creek they 




Sarah Major. 
Our pioneer woman preacher. 

Elder Major got out, threw the harness in the rig, 
put his wife on the beast and they proceeded to the Lord's work. He 
often sought her advice in church matters. She was responsible for 
his success in the ministry in many ways. Sarah was a woman of 
uncommon ability. All she did in the pulpit was becoming and 
natural, devoid of any appearance of egotistical display. Simplicity 
and humility as well as good taste and good judgement were marked 
characteristics of hers. Many times she waxed eloquent in her appeals 
and stirred especially the hearts of her own sex to action for Christ. 



506 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



J. F. MARTIN 

J. F. Martin was born February 14, 1848, at North Clayton, Ohio. 
His conversion occurred in the Upper Stillwater Church. He has 
lived in Miami County, but now lives in Darke. He was married to 
Lovina Warner, June 11, 1874. He was called to the ministry in 
1887, in the North Star congregation. 



;■"■■■■. 




Elder James May. 

Our only colored elder. 

Though nearly four score years, he is still zealous in the faith. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 507 



JAMES MAY (Colored) 

To Elder James May belongs the distinction of being the only 
colored bishop of our church in Southern Ohio, or probably elsewhere. 
He was born in Botetourt County, West Virginia, May 11, 1843. 
His parents were Henry and Elizabeth May (nee Wilson), the latter 
a charter member of the Circleville (colored) Church. He had four 
sisters and five brothers, one of whom, Charles E. May, is also a 
minister in our church, now living near Columbus, Ohio. Elder 
May's wife was Susan Dade. She died in 1904. He came to Ohio 
in 1863, was baptized in Walnut Creek, south of Chillicothe, by Elder 
Landon West, in 1878, called to the ministry about 1882 and 
ordained to the eldership in the 90's. At Circleville he baptized sixteen ; 
at Frankfort, two ; at Washington Court House, one, and about 1904 in 
Arkansas he baptized twelve. He remained here only three months, 
returning to Circleville, where he now lives, aged but consecrated. 



URIAH R. McCORKLE 

Uriah R. McCo r kle was born April 7, 1876. He united with 
the church November 20, 1895, during a revival held by Elder I. J. 
Rosenberger. He was married to Rosa Longanecker August 2, 
1903. She is a daughter of Elder H. C. Longanecker. He was 
elected to the ministry, August 6, 1904, and ordained elder, June 22, 
1918. The Loramie congregation, his home church, has been largely 
the scene of his activity. 



WILLIAM EARL McFARLAND 

William Earl McFarland, son of Artemas and Rebecca McFar- 
land, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, January 3, 1883. He 



508 History of the Church of the Brethren 

was married to Pearletta Onkst, March 4, 1905. They have four 
children. He united with the Union City Church in 1904, called to 
the deaconship in 1912 and to the ministry in 1915. He resides on 
a farm. 



miiN'in^ )ijLi fe)*MMHirn 



JACOB MILLER 

It is of interest to know that this herald of the cross was the 
first minister of the church to preach in Virginia and Indiana, and 
almost the first in Ohio, and the first to locate west of the Great Miami 
river. He was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in 1735. His 
parents came from Germany. He united with the church in early 
life and was set apart to the ministry. He married in his youth and 
moved to Franklin County, Virginia, in 1765, where he built up a 
large church in that locality- 
He moved to Ohio in 1800 and settled four miles southwest of 
Dayton, on the west side of the river. He died in 1815 and was 
buried on his farm, in sight of where the Lower Miami Church house 
now stands. He was the first elder of the Lower Miami Church, 
helping to organize it, and all the other churches after it in Southern 
Ohio, organized prior to his death, also the first church in Indiana in 
1809. Four of his sons are thought to have been preachers, Daniel, 
Abraham, Aaron and David. Alary married Samuel Darst. becoming 
the mother of two Ohio' ministers, Isaac and John Darst. 

Elder Miller's other children John, Jacob, Tobias, Isaac, Samuel, 
Eva and Anna, twelve in all through their descendants have had a 
wonderful influence on the church if it were traced. Elder Miller's 
grave is on a bluff in a field on his old farm. It was rediscovered 
and marked, July 5, 1916, by Elders John Calvin Bright and Jesse O. 
Garst. Brother Bright put a rough stone on the grave, and at his 
dictation, Brother Garst wrote with some chalk, the figures, 1735 and 
1816, as expressive of his birth and death. A picture of the grave 
was taken. A later investigation by Brother Garst proves the date, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 509 

1816, erroneous as Elder Miller died in 1815. Southern Ohio a few 
years ago, through District Meeting, ordered a suitable marker erected 
'but appointed nobody to execute it, hence Elder Miller's only monu- 
ment is his works. 



jj^Gjgr annn 



DANIEL MILLER 



Stephen Miller, the father of the subject of our sketch, was 
twice married, first to Anna Bohlman, of whose children, Daniel was 
the eldest. She died in Clermont County. Stephen's second wife 
was Anna Deardorff (nee Lesh), who also bore him children, among 
whom were John J. and Stephen, who became ministers in the church. 
Daniel was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvaris. December 30, 1797. 
When eighteen months of age, his father built a raft on the Ohio river 
and floated down .the stream to Kentucky, where they landed and 
lived for a while in that state. They, then, moved to Clermont County, 
Ohio. They next moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, where 
Daniel's father in 1816, built the first frame house in Jackson Town- 
ship. On November 15, 1821, he was united in marriage to Sarah 
Harris, of Clermont County, Ohio. To this union were born three 
daughters: Anna, November 18, 1822; Sarah, November 1, 1824; and 
Mary, September 3, 1828. He united with the Church of the Breth- 
ren when about the age of twenty-seven, being brought under convic- 
tion through a serious illness. A short time after this he was 
elected to the ministry in the Stonelick Ch.rrch, and later on was or- 
dained in the Upper Twin Church. 

After his marriage he lived in Clermont County where he bought 
a small farm on easy terms but in the fall of 1828, he sold this farm 
and purchased 160 acres for $625 in Preble County, where he moved 
April 13, 1829. His new home consisted of a log cabin built near the 
center of the place surrounded by the forest. The following winter 
he built a more comfortable house from hewed logs, which is yet 
standing. August 22, 1831, his helpmate died leaving him with three 
small children. January 31, 1833, he was married to Hannah Earnest, 
to whom were born one son, Samuel, and one daughter, Catherine, who 



510 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



died in 1847. All his children united with the church while young. 
Anna married Robert Wysong, Sarah. Josiah Woods, and Mary, James 
Swihart. These brethren all became deacons in the church. 

Elder Miller served the Upper Twin Church as Presiding Bishop 
for thirty years. He was one of the first advocates of the pastoral 
visit and made regular calls on all the members in the congregation. 
He solemnized many marriages, preached many funerals and assisted 
in organizing many churches. His useful life came to a close June 
8, 1879. 



SAMUEL MILLER 

Samuel Miller, son of Elder Daniel Miller, was born January 20, 
1834. He was married to Margaret Marker Miller, September 30, 
1855. He was elected deacon in the Upper Twin Church in 1874, 
and to the ministry in 1881. His father, Elder Miller, in order that 
he might give more of his time to the church, sold his possessions to 











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Samuel Miller and wife. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 511 

Samuel, with whom he and his wife lived for twenty- four years. 
Brother Samuel and his good -wife, Margaret, have grown old in the 
service of the Master, still living on the old home place. 



B. F. MILLER 

B. F. Miller, the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Miller (nee 
Bowser), was born March 5, 1843, near Dayton, Ohio. His parents 
were members of the Church of the Brethren. B. F., besides ac- 
quiring a good common school education, attended the Normal school 
at Lebanon, several terms. 

He married Lucy Ann Funderburg, September 4, 1873, and they 
have two sons. He confessed Christ in 1873 in the Donnel's Creek 
Church, and in 1881 was called to the deacon's office in which capacity 
he gave the church much faithful service. He served two years on 
the Book and Tract work from its beginning. He moved to the 
village of North Hampton in 1914 retiring from the active pursuits of 
life. 



mmnigap ■ : : ; 



ANDREW MILLER 

Andrew Miller was the son of Levi and Susanna Miller. He 
was born September 22, 1849, in Preble County, Ohio. He was 
married to Anna Sayler March 18, 1880. He was elected to the 
ministry by the Price's Creek Church in July, 1892, and ordained in 
July, 1902. 

He has been a member of the church since December 18, 1887, 
and is a willing worker. Elder Miller lives on a farm. His daughter, 
Ada, is the wife of Herschel Weaver. 



512 History of the Church of the Brethren 



I. B. MILLER 

I. B. Miller was the son of Aaron and Susanna Miller, born in 
Darke County, Ohio, July 10, 1860. He was married February 22, 1880, 
to Mary Bashore. She died and again he was married June 18, 
1893, to Sallie Kneisley. 

He was elected to the ministry on February 20, 1895, by the 
Oakland Church. He was the proprietor of a large furniture and 
undertaking establishment at Gettysburg, Ohio, where he ministered in 
his business to the surrounding community. Few men have had more 
business tact or been more courteous in deportment and benevolent 
in disposition. He came to his end in a tragic way on March 18, 1918, 
when he and his son, Ralph, attempted to cross the railroad at the 
crossing west of the depot at Gettysburg, with the auto hearse and 
were caught on the track by the through mail train, killing him in- 
stantly. The accident was a shock to the community and the church 
at large. 



HUGH MILLER 

Hugh Miller, son of Elder Abednego and Mary Miller, was born 
in Logan County, March 7, 1881. He had the advantages of high 
school work and several years in Bethany Bible School. His con- 
version occurred in 1892. He was married to Arie May Huber. 
February 10, 1903. 

They are the parents of three children. They lived near Don- 
nel's Creek Church some years where he was called to the ministry 
in 1909. Afterwards they moved back to Logan County. He was 
called to the pastorate of the Oakland Church in 1915. Here he was 
ordained May 24, 1919. He terminated his pastoral work here in 
the fall of same year and now lives at Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has 
done some good evangelistic and pastoral work. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



513 




Elder Hugh Miller and wife. 



MINA H. BOSSERMAN MILLER 

Mina H. Bosserman Miller was born near Bradford, Ohio, in 
the home of David E. and Salome Bosserman (nee Hollopeter), De- 
cember 28, 1870. She had the advantages of a good high school 
course, supplemented by work in Manchester College four years, and 
Mount Morris College from 1901 to 1903. She was then stenog- 
rapher in the Brethren Publishing House the next six years. Her 
love for the mission cause finds her next devoting herself to this 
work, first at Rockford, Illinois, then back to Ohio, to West Day- 
ton, Casstown, Troy and Circleville and finally to Bethany Bible 
School for a year's study. In her busy life she has found time to 



514 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



act as secretary of the Sisters' Aid Society for the District and lastly 
to become the wife of H. W. Miller, February 13, 1919, with whom 
she now resides just north of Bradford. 




Mina H. (Bosserman) Miller. 



J. P. MILLER 

J. P. Miller was born October 11, 1875, at Cove, Maryland. His 
parents were S- A. and Anne Miller (nee Daniels). He was con- 
verted in 1893. He moved to Ohio in May, 1906. He was married 
to Martha Miller (nee Gnagey), November 2, 1900. He was elected 
to the ministry in the Middle District Church January 22, 1910, and 
advanced to the eldership, September 13, 1917. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 515 

He has been associate and -is now Presiding Elder over the Middle 
District Church. His life was saddened by the death of his wife in 
the fall of 1918. Elder Miller is steadfast in his devotion to the 
church. 



EDWARD MILLER 

Edward Miller, son of Levi N. and Susan Miller, was born in 
Miami County, Ohio, August 8, 1880. His conversion occurred 
November, 1908. He was married August 24, 1907, to Mary J. Shock. 
He was elected to the ministry at Painter Creek June 4, 1914, and 
advanced to the second degree at Harris Creek in 1916. He has re- 
ceived some normal training at Oxford University and taught school 
ten years. 

He has also taken some special Bible work at Bethany Bible 
School and Manchester College. He was assistant Sunday-school 
secretary of Southern Ohio for six years. At present he is in the 
Ludlow Church: 



HARVEY MILLER 

Harvey Miller was born April 20, 1862, near Potsdam, Ohio, son 
of David G. and Sarah Miller (nee Stoltz). He was married April 
3, 1882, to Catherine A. Hoke. He lived mostly in Miami County 
but moved to Englewood in 1909. 

He joined the River Brethren in 1882, and was elected to the 
ministry in 1899. In 1917, he became a member and minister of the 
Church of the Brethren in the Lower Stillwater Church. 



516 History of the Church of the Brethren 



A. B. MILLER 

A. B. Miller was born in Darke County, Ohio, June 17, 1854, 
the son of George and Caroline Miller. He was married to Susanna 
Marling, December 20, 1875. She died in 1907, and he then mar- 
ried Elizabeth Heckman Wiest, November 5, 1908. Since 1902, he 
has been a trustee of the Brethren Home, acting as the efficient 
secretary of the same and most of the time as treasurer also. He has 
been a member of the church since 1877. 



ADAM MINNICH 

Adam Minnich, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Minnich (nee Long), 
was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 6, 1835. He was 
twice married, his first wife being Katherine Ziegler and to them were 
born five sons. His second marriage was to Laura Mumma. He 
was an earnest energetic brother. He served the District on the Board 
of Trustees of the Brethren Home and also on the Book and Tract 
work, and a member of the District Mission Board, and was on the 
committee of arrangements for the Annual Conference of 1886. He 
died in a tragic way ; April 15, 1914. 



GRANVILLE W. MINNICH 

Granville W. Minnich, the son of Adam and Catherine Minnich, 
was born August 9, 1857, near L T nion, Ohio. He was married to 
Malinda Hershey in 1879 and joined the church ten years later at 
Georgetown. He was elected a deacon in 1894, to the ministry 
in 1897 in the Ludlow Church and ordained in the Greenville Church 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



517 



in 1911, His wife died in 1896, and in 1898 he married Martha Dit- 
mer Albaugh, who died in 1899. He married Sarah Shellabarger 
Neher in 1901. He lived in Trotwood from 1900 to 1909 and from 
1915 to 1917. He was engaged in the grain business and aided in the 




Elder Granville W. Minnich and wife. 

ministry. He was six years superintendent of the Brethren Home 
and after an absence of two years returned to take up the work 
in 1917. While there he also presided over Greenville Church from 
1918 to the fall of 1919, when he resigned the superintendency of 
the Home and moved to West Milton. 



DAVID MINNICH 

David Minnich was born in Darke County, Ohio, January 25, 
1855, son of Jacob and Anna Minnich (nee Longanecker). He be- 



518 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



came converted July 5, 1885, and was married December 26, 1878. to 
Saloma Noffsinger. He was elected to the deacon's office in 1886, 
to the ministry June 10, 1899, and ordained an elder in 1909. He 




Elder David Minnich and wife. 

lived three years in the Union City Church and afterwards in the 
Pleasant Valley Church. He taught common school from 1876 to 1884 
inclusive. Of later years he has given much time to the fire insurance 
business in addition to his ministerial duties. 



WILLIAM MINNICH 

Jacob Minnich, son of George and Nancy Minnich (nee Shoe- 
maker), came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Ohio by wagons 
in 1834. He was then twelve years old. His family finally located 
near Painter Creek Church where the parents were laid to rest in the 
Newcomer cemetery near by. 

In the same year, 1834, Elder Henry and Anna Longanecker 
(nee Hart), also came from Pennsylvania and located near the old 
Sugar Grove Church, Miami County, Ohio. Their bodies lie in the 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



519 



cemetery near the old church. In their family was a daughter Anna 
then nine years old, who became the wife of the above named Jacob 
Minnich. They moved from Painter Creek to Hillgrove in 1867. 
There the mother died in 1882 and the father in 1909, both being 
buried in Snell cemetery near Poplar Grove Church. 




Elder William Minnich and wife. 
The present Presiding Elder of the Salem Church. 



Of their family of ten sons and two daughters, William is the 
youngest, born May 8, 1868. His education was obtained in the com- 
mon schools of Darke County, supplemented by a term at Ada, in 18S3 
and a summer term at Gettysburg, in 1890. He taught thirteen 

years in the schools of Darke and Montgomery counties. December 
20, 1890, he married Sarah, daughter of David and Hannah Heckman 
(nee Brumbaugh), of Salem Church; they have three sons still living, 
from this union. 



520 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Elder Minnich was baptized by John H. Brumbaugh, December 
17, 1894, during a series of meetings by Andrew Hutchison. In 1900 
he was elected deacon and in 1902 to the ministry. He was ordained 
in 1908, and became assistant to Elder John M. Brumbaugh in 1909 
and to the full bishopship in 1910. He was chosen to preside over 
Eversole Church in 1914, which position he held four years, tie is 
a prudent elder. 



LEVI MINNICH 

Levi Minnich was born near Painter Creek, Darke County, Ohio, 
March 19, 1862. His father, Abraham, was born in Franklin County, 
Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1834. His 
mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of Jacob Swinger who was born 
in Wittenburg, Germany. Brother Levi was converted' in 1890. He 
began teaching at the age of twenty and taught ten years, the last year 
as superintendent at Gettysburg, Ohio. He attended the Ohio 
Normal University in 1886. 

He has served many years on the Board of Education of his town- 
ship. He is now a member of the Board of Trustees of Manchester 
College. He has always been much interested in Sunday-school work. 
He was superintendent of the Painter Creek school for more than 
a score of consecutive years and was District Sunday-school secretary 
from 1895 to 1902. He w r as, for a number of years, a member of the 
General Sunday-school Advisory Committee and later of the General 
Sunday-school Board of the Brotherhood. He also served the 
church for many years on the Sunday-school Institute Committee of 
Southern Ohio- and as District Secretary of the Temperance Commit- 
tee from 1911 to the present. He was married to Laura E. Netzley, 
of Naperville, Illinois, May 24, 1888. Three children are the fruits 
of this union. His wife died December 18, 1909. He was again 
married August 21, 1912, to Susie Forney of California, the daughter 
of Elder Edmund" Forney. . She was born near Polo, Illinois, Sep- 
tember 20, 1870. She graduated in a Bible course at Mount Morris 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



521 



College, in 1892-1893, and took a two year course at Bethany Bible 
School. She has been active in church and mission work in different 
ways and places. She was secretary of the general organization of 
the Ladies' Aid Society of the Brotherhood for three years. 



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Levi Minnich and wife. 
Present trustee of Manchester College. 



SAMUEL MOHLER 



Samuel Mohler was born May 19, 1808; being a member of a 
large family that resided in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. At the 
age of twenty, he married Catherine Sayler, a relative of Elder D. P. 
Sayler. Soon after this union they moved near Waynesboro, where 
they united with the church. They soon moved to Ohio near 



522 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Covington where they lived about sixty-two years. Eight sons and 
three daughters were born to them. Three sons were ministers : 
Samuel S. and Martin of Missouri and John S. of Kansas. Samuel 
Mohler and his son Samuel S. were elected to the ministry on a tie 
vote, November 5, 1857. Elders Peter Xead and Abraham Flory 
officiating. His special line of work was not preaching but shepherd- 
ing, in which he had great natural ability. He was slow in render- 
ing a decision and slow to change it when formed. He was a keen 
observer and had order and system in all he did on the farm or in the 
church. 

All his children early united with the church. Prompt in all 
his obligations and liberal to the needy, caused the ''Gospel Messen- 
gers'' to say "If all our elders sent in their missionary collections as 
Brother Samuel Mohler, our treasury would soon be filled." He was 
a man of great vigor of mind and body, w T ith something peculiarly 
striking yet pleasing in his appearance. About three months be- 
fore his decease, in walking across his room, he fell and broke his 
leg which finally resulted in his death, July 26, 1891. 



GEORGE MOHLER 

George Mohler, son of Ephraim and Anna Mohler, was born in 
Miami County, Ohio, December 16, 1849. He was inclined to be 
studious, and after completing the common school, took one term in 
the Greenville High School, qualifying himself to teach, which he 
followed for a number of years. He married Mary E. Deeter, De- 
cember 25, 1877. 

To them eleven children were born. He and his wife united with 
the church at Covington in 1879. He was elected to the ministry 
here in 1889, and became a useful minister. He moved to the 
Pleasant Hill Church in 1902. He and Isaac Frantz were ordained 
July 31, 1909, and given the oversight jointly March 3, 1910, of this 
church until September 6, 1917. After which he had it alone until 
his resignation one year later, as he moved back in 1918 to his old 
home congregation, the Covington Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



523 




Elder George Mohler and wife. 



J. T. and SARAH ELIZABETH MOLL 

John Thomas Moll was born in Prospect, Ohio, November 24, 
1858. He was reared in Fulton, Whiteside County, Illinois. At the 
age of twenty-one he moved to St. Louis, Missouri. He lived out of 
the church until 1896. and was converted in Salvation Army Barracks, 
Vine Street and Canal, Cincinnati. He bought a testament and read and 
sought for the people that lived and held out for the most Scripture. 
How he found them, and became, with his wife, the pioneer worker 
in the Constance, Kentucky, mission is told in the story of that little 
church. His w 7 ife, Sarah Elizabeth Moll (nee Selvidge), was born 
January 16, 1850, below the Mason-Dixon line, of Baptist parents. 
While an infant, her mother died. Her father died in the Civil War 
which left her an orphan. She was brought to St. Louis, Missouri, 
sometime in the sixties, fell into the hands of Catholics and was chris- 
tened in their church. She lived as a Catholic until she was thirty-one 
and at the age of thirty-five was converted in May wood, Missouri. 



524 History of the Church of the Brethren 



She was baptized in Hickory Baptist Church near that place and be- 
longed to that church until 1898 when she became a member of the 
Church of the Brethren. 



HARVEY MOTE 

Harvey Mote was born in Miami County, November 10, 1843, and 
was left an orphan when eight years old. He enlisted and served 
four years during the Civil War, being wounded at Resaca, Georgia. 




Elder Harvey Mote and wife. 

He married Esther Niswonger, May 13, 1866, and four years later he 
was baptized in the Ludlow Church. In 1871, he moved from this 
church to the church at Union City where he was elected a deacon 
ten years later. The Pleasant Valley Church having been formed 
from some of the Union City Church, he was elected to the ministry 
in the Pleasant Valley .Church in 1895 and ordained in 1900 in which 
office he labored until called home, April 1, 1909. Sister Minna 
Heckman (nee Mote), is his daughter. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 525 



DAVID MURRAY 

In 1812 the family of John and Elizabeth Murray (nee Well- 
baum), emigrated from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, 
locating near Air Hill. Included in this family was Samuel Murray 
who became a very influential minister and bishop, dying in Indian- 
apolis, March 31, 1906, lacking one day of rounding out a century. He 
had been elected to the ministry in the Wolf Creek Church in 1843 and 
moved to Indiana in 1851. 

David, the subject of this sketch, was born September 15, 1803. 
At nine years of age he accompanied his parents on their trip by 
wagon to Pittsburgh, then on flat-boat down the Ohio river to Cin- 
cinnati and again by wagon to their new home in the "Big Woods" of 
Montgomery County. After six years of toil, the father died and at 
the age of fifteen David did his part in supporting the family. 

He married Elizabeth Mikesell and to them were born a large 
family. Those now living are Moses of California, Dr. Murray of 
Union City, Indiana, G. W. and Abner of Springfield, Illinois, John of 
Dayton, Ohio, Susannah Ullery of Covington, Ohio, and Hannah 
Shrenes of Fletcher, Ohio. In 1854 he was called to the ministry by 
the Lower Miami Church and later ordained there in 1873. In 1876 
he came to Salem Church and served faithfully as her bishop until his 
death, September 10, 1884. He loved the simple life and advocated 
mild means in church government. 

The Murrays (Morays) were of Scotch-Irish descent. John 
the ancestor of those referred to above, came as a soldier of the 
British Army in the Revolutionary War. He chose to remain in 
America. He reared a large family in Pennsylvania. Of these, as 
narrated, John came to Ohio with a large family, three of whom, 
David, Samuel, and John, became ministers in the church, and a 
grandson, Samuel, of Covington, followed in the same walk of life giv- 
ing his efforts to the Old Order Brethren. It may be said of four 
of these brothers that they were a much-married family; the number 
of their wives aggregating about twenty, each a legal and legitimate 
companion. 



526 History of the Church of the Brethren 



D. R. MURRAY 

Darrell R. Murray was born March 9, 1897, in Dayton, Ohio. 
His parents were Daniel C. and Sarah Murray (nee Erbaugh). He 
was converted at West Dayton Church, October 19, 1909. and elected 
to the ministry in the same church April 27, 1916. He filled the 
appointments at Troy, Ohio, for a while. He has done some evan- 
gelistic work. At present he is attending Manchester College and 
teaching in the academy- 



PETER NEAD 

Peter Nead was born of Lutheran parentage, at Hagerstown, 
Maryland, January 7, 1796. His father was a slave holder and the 
Nead children were \vell educated. Two of his brothers were minis- 
ters of the church in Tennessee. Peter became a Methodist and 
served as a class leader. The Methodists at that time were very 
plain and common. He preached independently for a time, then 
after reading a pamphlet by Elder Benjamin Bowman, he learned of 
the Brethren, and soon gave evidence of his faith by becoming one 
of them. 

He was called to the ministry the same day Elder John Kline was 
elected deacon. This was shortly after his marriage to Elizabeth 
Yount, December 20, 1825. He settled in Virginia in Rockingham 
County but in 1840 moved to Augusta, from here in 1843, to Boute- 
tourt, and from there to Ross County, Ohio, in 1848, and the same year 
to Montgomery near the Bear Creek Church. In 1850, he located near 
the Lower Stillwater Church where he remained until his death March 
16, 1877. At this home in Stillwater, largely paid for by the Brethren, 
he compiled "Nead's Theology." This comprised some works he had 
formerly written with some additional matter. It was long a standard 
work in the church. In 1866, he wrote his "Wisdom and Power of 
God as Displayed in Creation and Redemption." A little earlier he 



of the Southern District of Ohio 527 

with others published "Winchester's Lectures on the Prophesies," a 
work dealing with restoration, in which he firmly believed. When he 
first united with the church, his attire was more stylish than the Breth- 
ren loved to see. After a meeting at his home, a brother asked him to 
go with him to the barn. Entering which,. the brother approached a 
fanning mill and reaching down in it, brought forth a new low crowned 
hat, saying "Here, Peter, is a hat that will correspond with the profes- 
sion you make, will you wear it?" Peter complied and in after life 
through the "Vindicator," a periodical he helped to start, was a strong 
exponent of the old ways. Perhaps Southern Ohio never had a 
preacher more universally esteemed than he was during the fifth and 
sixth decades of the last century. 

His wife died May 28, 1864. They had four children, Daniel, 
who became Prosecuting Attorney of Montgomery County and died 
young. Samuel, who married Susan Shively, and moved to Miami 
County, Indiana, where their son, D. P. Nead, is an elder in the Pipe 
Creek Church. Barbara married Samuel Kinsey, a minister and a 
founder of the "Vindicator," the official organ of the Old Order 
Church. Their son, William Nead Kinsey, is a minister in that 
church, and resides on a part of the old homestead. Mary, unmar- 
ried, cared for her parents until their departure, and then remained in 
the old home with the family of a niece, Mrs. George W. Yount, until 
her death. The bodies of Elder Peter Nead and wife, rest in the 
cemetery near the Happy Corner Church. 



JAMES M. NEFF 

James M. Neff was born February 19, 1862, near Roann, Indi- 
ana. When eleven he lost his mother and at fourteen he joined the 
church at Eel River, near the place of his birth. Reared on a farm, 
he was physically weak, but mentally strong, receiving the A. B. de- 
gree from Manchester College in 1886, where he also taught a few 
years. May 20, 1888, he married Lydia Fahnestock, of Covington, 
where he lived a while and was elected to the ministry in 1889. His 
wife died in 1896. Pie was again married April 14, 1898, to 



52S History of the Church of the Brethren 

Florence Ennis. Brother Neff's life was a long and finally losing 
struggle to recuperate his failing health. On account of this he lived 
in many places in the south and west, but wherever he went he served 
the church with voice and pen. He died December 15, 1912, at El 
Centro, California. 



EARL CHESTER NEFF 

Earl C. Nef f, son of John Peter and Sarah Nevada Nef f, was born 
near Dayton, Ohio, January 15, 1886. He was baptized in the Bear 
Creek Church September 2, 1899. He was married at Eldorado, to 
Ada Eby July 21, 1909. He was elected to the ministry in 1906 in 
the Bear Creek Church,, and served at one time as pastor of the Circle- 
ville Church. His education consisted of a college preparatory course, 
a correspondence course, also was a student at Bethany Bible School 
and Moody Bible Institute, also schools in Dayton and Columbus. He 
n«w resides in the Fort McKinley Church territory. 



ABRAHAM S. NEHER. 

Abraham S. Neher, son of Adam and Rebecca Studebaker Neher, 
the oldest of a family of ten children, was born March 26, 1850, in 
Clark County, Ohio. He moved with his parents to Miami County, 
Ohio, in 1851, to a farm in the bounds of the Hickory Grove 
Church, married Ella N. Schriver October 1, 1876, and united with 
the church in 1878. He moved from the Hickory Grove Church 
to the Covington congregation in 1882. Sister Neher departed this 
life March 16, 1883. He was married to Fanny Hollinger, daughter 
of Moses and Susan Wise Hollinger, January 6, 1884, was chosen 
to the deacon's office by the Covington Church in 1887, continued in 
said church participating in its activities until 1902 when they moved 
to the Hickory Grove congregation with their family of five sons and 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



529 



four daughters 



full ministry 
1918. 



In 1904 he was called to the ministry, and to the 
in 1911. He moved to the New Carlisle congregation in 




Elder Abraham S. Neher and wife. 



R. H. NICODEMUS 

Rutherford H. Xicodemus was born in Miami County, Ohio, on 
January 1, 1877. His mother died when he was but five years old, 
and his father being unable to provide for a family of six children, 
he was placed in the home of Elder Jonathan Hoover, Shelby County, 
Ohio. It was in this home that he found those who became loving 
parents. He united with the church at the age of ten, in the Loramie 
Church. He was married to Nancie E. Swartzbaugh. of Pleasant 
Hill. Nearly one year after his marriage, having met with a severe 
accident which disabled him for farm work, he moved to Potsdam, 
Ohio. Here he clerked in a store for four years. During this time 
he served the District as assistant Sunday-school secretary from 1903- 
1905. He was elected to the ministry at Pitsburg, August 8, 1904, 



530 History of the Church of the Brethren 



ordained as elder, June 29, 1908. He began mission work in High- 
land and Adams counties, December 5, 1906, and continued until July 
25, 1908. He entered Bethany Bible School as a student, September 
2, 1908, and graduated in the spring of 1915, receiving the degree of 
B. S. L. He began teaching in Bethany Bible School in 1911, which 
position he still holds. 



DANIEL NOFFSINGER 

Daniel Noff singer was a minister in the Lower Miami Church. 
He was born December 30, 1790, in Westmoreland County, near 
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He came to Montgomery County, Ohio, 
in his young days. He became a member of the church the same day 
his wife did, and was for years a minister, and in his last years an 
elder, presiding over the church from 1857 to 1866. He died, Octo- 
ber 13, 1866, his disease being apoplexy, from which he only lived 
about three hours. 

His wife Mary Ridder, was born in Ashe County, near New 
River, North Carolina, and came with her parents to this country in 
her young days. These parents reared five sons and five daughters. 
One became a minister, and one a deacon. His wife died April 12, 
1873, aged eighty years and three months. 



EZRA NOFFSINGER 

Ezra Noffsinger was born in Randolph County, Indiana, February 
2, 1859, being the son of Joel and Mary Noffsinger. He was con- 
verted in 1884, and was married May 1, 1884, to Dora D. Isenhour. 
She died, March 30, 1902, and he was married, February 12, 1908, to 
Amanda E. Brumbaugh. He was elected a deacon in 1889 in Union 
City Church and has worked here in the ministry since 1894 and was 
ordained in 1906. He still resides here. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



531 




W. P. Noffsinger and wife. 
He ministers mostly in the Union City Church (city house). 



W. P. NOFFSINGER 

W. P. Noffsinger is the son of Eli and Sarah Noffsinger, horn 
near Union City. Indiana, February 22, 1863. Graduated from the 
common schools of Randolph County, Indiana, in 1877. Attended 
high school at Union City, then went to Indiana Central Normal Col- 
lege from which he graduated in the teachers' course in 1885. United 
with the church October 3, 1889, at Union City, Indiana. He was 
elected to the ministry in 1906. 

He was married to Dora W. Simmons, daughter of Elder \Y. 
K. Simmons. October 3, 1889. During this time has lived in and 
near Union City. It, as well, has been the scene of his church 
activity- 



532 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



JESSE NOFFSINGER 

Jesse Noffsinger was born May 24, 1882. He is a son of Amos 
and Fianna Noffsinger (nee Neidich). He was married to Flora 
Dils January 1, 1905, and has four sons. He was baptized Novem- 
ber 15, 1893, in the Lower Miami Church, was elected a deacon 
here June 22, 1905, to the ministry December 16, 1908, and ordained 
June 6, 1917. 




Elder Jesse Noffsinger. 

For the period of about one year he was associate elder with 
Elder Jesse O. Garst over the Lower Miami Church. He is a brother 
to Elder John Noffsinger. He is a graduate of the Jefferson Town- 
ship High School and has taught in the public schools six years, but 
now lives on a farm. He is a persevering and industrious brother 
in the old home church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



533 



JOHN S. NOFFSINGER 

John S. Noffsinger, a brother to Jesse Noffsinger, was born near 
Dayton, Ohio, December 21, 1886. At the age of eleven, he became 
a member of the church at Lower Miami. Here he was elected to the 
ministry June 22, 1905. His education has been secured in the com- 
mon school, high school, Bethany Bible School and Mount Morris 
College where he graduated in 1913, and the University of Chicago, 
where he received the A. M. degree in 1915. 

His teaching career has likewise covered a wide range, from the 
common school, then a teacher in the Philippine Islands two years, 
superintendent of Ashton, Illinois, schools two years, and president of 
Mount Morris College three years. Resigning he went a while to 
Columbia University, locating in Brooklyn, New York, where he is 
now preaching at the mission and engaged in some rehabilitation work 
of the government. He was married to Florence M. Wieand, in 
August, 1912. They have one child. He has traveled in the Orient 
and Bible Lands. 




Elder John S. Noffsinger. 

Late president of Mount Morris College, Illinois, now pastor of the 

Brooklyn Mission, New York. 



534 History of the Church of the Erethren 



ELIZABETH OBERHOLTZER (nee WEYBRIGHT) 

Elizabeth Weybright Oberholtzer was born May 31, 1885, on a 
farm near Trotwood, Ohio. From four to eight, Bessie as she was 
known, lived in Maryland where her mother was reared. Her parents 
moved back to Ohio in 1893, where she attended school, graduating 
from the Trotwood High School in 1903. She had accepted Christ 
the preceding winter. Her happy life was saddened by the death of 
her sister, Ruth, in 1900, and her mother in 1905. She qualified for 
teaching and taught in the schools of Montgomery and Darke coun- 
ties. She graduated from Manchester College in 1915 with the A. B. 
degree and the same year in September was united in marriage to 
Isaiah E. Oberholtzer of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. They spent 
the winter 1915-1916 at Oberlin Seminary and the next summer 
answered the call to China. 



DAVID ALLEN OCKERMAN 

David Allen Ockerman, son of John and Mary Ockerman, was 
born March 2, 1854. In early manhood he was married to Laura B. 
Davis. To this union were given a son and a daughter. In 1880 
Allen was elected deacon in the Lexington Church. In 1885 to the 
ministry. In 1898 the church placed upon him the eldership, and he 
was given charge. This position he held until 1917. He has 
labored through tempest and sunshine, when there were few to help 
and when there were fewer to fight the battles of the Lord. Brother 
Ockerman's home was always noted for its hospitality. His only 
son, Leslie, chosen to the ministry in 1910, a year or so later with his 
wife, Effie Ockerman (nee Fisher), an Indiana girl, moved to Ko- 
komo, Indiana. 

Brother Ockerman and wife desired much to spend their declin- 
ing days in the same city with their son, but were loath to leave the 
place of their nativity. Finally, a farewell service, a last stroll 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



535 



through the old Lexington cemetery, the resting place of their dead, 
and a last look at the old homestead, the fall of 1917 finds them also 
located at Kokomo, Indiana. Brother Ockerman was the last to 
leave of the pioneer ministers of the southern field. 




Elder David Allen Ockerman and wife. 



A. W. OREN 

Alva W. Oren was born in Clinton County, Ohio, December 29, 
1866. His parents, Ira and Mary A. Oren, were of Quaker descent. 
They moved to Randolph County, Indiana, in 1870, where Alva grew 
to manhood. After the common school course he spent some time 



536 History of the Church of the Brethren 



in the Eastern Indiana Normal School in preparation for teaching. 
The family moved to Carrol County, West Tennessee, in 1889, where 
he became a member of the Church of the Brethren, October, 1892, 
under the preaching of Elder George C. Bowman of the Knob Creek 
Church, East Tennessee. He was called to the ministry in the New 
Hope Church at the same council meeting with C. M. Bantz, in April 
1897. 

February 4, 1899, he was married to Alma May Mummert, who 
was born July 5. 1877. They spent part of 1901 and 1902 in 
Oklahoma, near Thomas. Since 1903 they have lived in Southern 
Ohio and for some years are giving their services to Lower Still- 
water Church where he was ordained in 1912. They have five sons. 
Their home is hard by the synagogue at Happy Corner. 



J. E. OVERHOLSER 

J. E. Overholser was born November 21, 1885, near Bradford 
Ohio, and was converted at Harris Creek November 10, 1895, through 
the ministry of S. D. Royer. He was married to Esther E. Frey, De- 
cember 24, 1908. He was installed into the ministry in 1918 at 
Bradford where he now resides. He has been connected with 
various churches, Harris Creek, Mississinewa, Walnut Level, Pleas- 
ant Dale, W r est Manchester, Elgin and Bradford. He was em- 
ployed two years in the Brethren Publishing House. 



I J 1 1 1 1 1 lEI^ /iXutip ri' D 1 1 j 'T 



LEROY PATTON 



Leroy Patton was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February 5, 
1863. He was united in marriage with Arilla M. Ward, March 1, 
1896. He was elected to the ministry at the Charleston Church, April 
8, 1915. His education was received in the rural schools of Dela- 
ware County. He was reared on a farm until he was twenty-one, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 537 



after that spent fifteen years traveling and selling merchandise. After 
his wife died, he worked at' several occupations. In the fall of 1918, 
Brother Patton moved into the parsonage at Charleston and took the 
pastorate of the church. 



LEWIS R. PEIFER 

Lewis R. Peifer, son of Daniel and Elizabeth Ruth Peifer, was 
born near Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1843. He was 
married to Lydia Deppen March 7, 1863. To them were born one 
son and one daughter. He came to the church in 1864. In the year 
1865, he moved to Waterloo, Iowa. He was called to the ministry in 
1874. His first companion having died he was married to Cenia 
Long, November 2, 1884. Some fourteen years afterward death 
again entered his home and took from him his second companion. 
November 2, 1899, he was married to Clara, daughter of Lewis and 
Elizabeth Myers (nee Frantz). He moved to Clark County, Ohio, 
in 1904. He was ordained in 1908. Brother Peifer was elected 
assistant housekeeper of the Donnel's Creek Church December 2, 1911. 
In the fall of 1913 he moved to Chicago, where he is secretary and 
treasurer of Bethany Bible School. 



ADAM PFEIFER 

Adam Pfeifer, son of Adam and Mary Pfeifer, was born at Still- 
water Junction, Ohio, April 5, 1852. He was united in marriage 
with Hester A. Haines December 24, 1874. To this union three 
children were born. He united with the church in 1875 and on May 
26, 1888, was chosen a deacon in the Salem Church. He also served 
as a trustee of the Brethren Home from its organization. He was 
serving his fifth consecutive term on the District Mission Board at 
the time of his death and had lived, would have finished a quarter 



538 History of the Church of the Brethren 

of a century on this board. During all these years he never missed 
a board meeting. His active life came suddenly to a close Decem- 
ber 22, 1916, and on the forty second anniversary of his marriage, his 
body was laid to rest. Elder D. M. Garver delivered the funeral 
discourse and short remarks were made by Elders J. C. Bright, Jesse 
K. Brumbaugh, J. O. Garst, and S. A. Blessing, appreciative of his 
useful life. 



WOODFORD PETERS 

Woodford Peters, son of Isaac and Mary Peters, was born in 
Franklin County, Virginia, June 21, 1889. He is the sixth son in 
a family of eight children. His family moved to Miami County, 
Ohio, when he was eight years old and the following year the father 
died. The next three years were spent in the home of Elder Jacob 
Coppock. 

He was graduated from the township high school in 1907 and 
began teaching in the public schools the following fall. He became 
a member of the church in 1908; was elected to the ministry at the 
Hickory Grove Church in 1910. In 1915, he received the A. B. 
degree from Manchester College and then became superintendent of 
the Bethel Township schools. June 21, 1917, he was married to 
E. Rowena Stoner of Ladoga, Indiana. Brother Peters was ordained 
June 2, 1919, and is now Professor of Psychology and Edtication in 
Manchester College. 



LUTHER PETRY 

Luther Petry was born at Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, March 18, 
1844. His parents were Ferdinand and Mary Petry. He became 
a member of the church in 1863. He was married to his first wife, 
Susan Petry, the same year. She died in 1883. He was elected to 



of the Southern District of Ohio 539 

the ministry in the Price's Creek Church in 1881. He was married 
again in 1889 to Catherine P. Forney. In 1890 he moved to Georgia. 
He returned again in 1916 to his former home with the Price's Creek 
congregation. 



ANDREW A. PETRY 

Andrew A. Petry was the son of Aaron and Eliza Petry. He 
was born in Darke County, Ohio, September 15, 1886, and converted 
in March, 1902. He was married to Stella Rife. April 18, 1909. His 
election to the ministry occurred November 24, 1906, and he was or- 
dained May 27, 1916. He taught grade school nearly a score of 
years and attended Bethany Bible School one term. His church 
activity, on account of his teaching, is confined closely to the Beech 
Grove Church, near which he resides. 



MICHAEL M. PETRY AND HIS SIX (preacher) SONS. 

Michael M. Petry was born February 16, 1835, and died March 
10, 1896. His wife, Catherine Stump, was born February 6, 1839, 
and died July 12, 1896. They were married, October 25, 1857. They 
lived and died in Price's Creek territory. They magnified the of- 
fice of deacon and were gifted with sweet song. Of a family of 
thirteen children, six out of eight boys were preachers. 

Stephen S. was born August 18, 1862. He united with the 
church at Price's Creek in 1886. He was married to Elzina Rine- 
hart, April 14, 1889, and entered the ministry in the Palestine Church 
in 1894. He has lived much outside the District, especially at Bert- 
hold, North Dakota, where he was ordained in 1904. At present he 
is living at Medicine Hat, Alta., Canada. 

Benjamin F. was born December 10, 1866. He was converted 
when twenty years old. He was married to Jennie Kitterman in 



540 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




of the Southern District of Ohio 541 



1891. He was elected to the ministry in the Upper Twin Church in 
1894 and at once became active and energetic in his calling. He 
was ordained in 1906. He spent a number of years on the com- 
mittee to the southern churches and served four times as clerk of 
the District Meeting, and twice on the standing committee. He 
has also given more or less of his time during the past twelve years to 
evangelistic work. 

Cornelius C. was born June 29, 1873. He partly completed a 
high school course and attended some at Manchester College and 
Bethany Bible School. His first wife, Emma Toney, whom he had 
married December 25, 1898, died in 1915, and June 22, 1918, he mar- 
ried Alma Minnich (nee Shank). His church work has been mostly 
in the Four Mile Church, Indiana, first as deacon, then as minister 
in 1904. He was ordained in 1911. He now lives in the Price's 
Creek Church territory. 

Elmer S. was born November 19, 1877, He became a member 
of the church in 1894. He homesteaded in North Dakota in 1901 
and married Abbie M. Jones, November 8, 1903. He was elected to 
the ministry at Berthold, July 22, 1911. He served as State District 
Sunday-school secretary in the Northwest, five years. His educa- 
tion consists of one year at Manchester College and three years at 
Bethany Bible School. He returned to Ohio in 1917 and is now 
superintendent of the Brethren Home. 

Harry H. was born November 16, 1879. He was elected to the 
ministry in the Price's Creek Church in 1902. He met with an ac- 
cident on the Manchester College Campus grounds from which he died. 

Chester H. was born October 10, 1884. He became a member 
of the church in 1902, a minister in 1907 and was ordained in 1910. 
He spent two years at Manchester College and two and a half at 
Bethany Bible School. He married Roxie E. Jones, November 

15, 1905. Most of his church work was done at Berthold, North 
Dakota until recently, when he took the pastorate of the Troy Church, 



542 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



JOHN M. PITTENGER 

John M. Pittenger, son of Joshua W. and Mary Ann Pittenger, 
(nee Senseman), was born in Miami County, Ohio, March 6, 1869, 
When two years old his parents moved on a farm near Pleasant Hill. 
In 1886, his father died. He took up the resulting burdens man- 
fully and prepared to teach school. He spent a year in Mount Mor- 
ris College, taught school some years and in 1902, graduated in the 
classical course from Juniata College. He joined the church when he 
was nineteen, and September 2, 1897, he was elected to the ministry in 
the Pleasant Hill Church. He was married May 18, 1904, to Florence 
Baker of Maryland. In 1904, they responded to the call of the 
India Mission Field. They now have several children. He was 
ordained at Vyara, India. 





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Elder Samuel E. Porter and wife. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 543 



SAMUEL E. PORTER 

Samuel E. Porter was born near Bradford, Ohio, August 3, 
1871, the son of Alexander and Maria Porter (nee Zerbe). In De- 
cember, 1888, he was baptized near Hill Grove. He was married 
to Emma V. Brill in October, 1892. 

He was elected to the ministry, December 3, 1898, and readily 
entered into the work. He gave the Casstown Church five years of 
his ministerial service. He also has done some good evangelistic 
work. He was ordained in the Harris Creek Church, July 29, 1916. 
He now resides in Bradford, where he assists in the ministry. 

His wife has been afflicted with declining eyesight for several 
years, which has restricted to some extent, his labors away from home. 
Their home has been blessed with three children. 



pin;; i 



JOSEPH PRINGLE 

Joseph Pringle, son of William and Nancy Pringle, was born 
near Goshen, Ohio, February 24, 1828, and grew to manhood near 
this place. October 2, 1850, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann 
Binkley. 

Two sons and four daughters graced their home. Fifty-six 
years of wedded life were theirs to enjoy. Their home was a 
typical home in an intellectual and religious sense. He united with 
the church, at Stonelick in the year 1857. He was put to the minis- 
try here in 1871. He was noted not so much for his brilliancy as a 
preacher as for his steadfastness of service. Through the constant 
occuring changes in the period in which he lived he always held true 
to the church. 

September 3, 1892, the church advanced him to the bishopric and 
during one year (1898) he had charge of the Stonelick Church. He 
died June 30, 1906. 



544 History of the Church of the Brethren 



HARVEY ALLEN PRISER 

Harvey A. Priser was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Janu- 
ary 10, 1869, being the son of Philip and Eliza Priser (nee Snyder). 
He was converted in the Lower Twin Church in the fall of 1888, and 
was married to Olive M. Heck November 1, 1891, who died March 12, 
1900. He then was married January 7, 1903, to Ida Long- (nee 
Garst), a sister to Elder J. O. Garst. He was elected a deacon in 
the Eversole Church April 27, 1911, and to the ministry May 3, 1917. 
He has worked all his life in the different spheres of Sunday-school 
activity from teacher to superintendent. Since his call to the 
ministry, he has completed a Bible correspondence course, sold his 
farm and moved to Johnsville, Ohio, which will enable him to devote 
more time to the Lord's w T ork. He is unassuming, sincere, and a 
splendid leader in song. 



DAVID F. PRISER 

David F. Priser was born January 23, 1874, in Montgomery 
County, Ohio. His parents were Philip and Eliza Priser (nee 



Elder David F. Priser. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 545 

Snyder). He was married to Emma Bowman, December 25, 1898. 
They have five children living. He early united with the church at 
Lower Twin and later was elected a deacon in that church. He 
was elected a member of the District Mission Board of Southern Ohio, 
April 27, 1909, on which he served five years. He was an energetic 
member of this committee and his heart was in the work. June 2, 
1914, he was elected to the ministry in the Sugar Hill Church. Feel- 
ing the need of better preparation, he soon moved to North Man- 
chester, Indiana, with his family and attended Manchester College 
where he still resides. In 1919, he was ordained here to the elder- 
ship. 



JAMES QUINTER 

James Quinter was born February 1, 1816, in Philadelphia. The 
father was a native of the state ; his mother, Mary Quinter (nee 
Smith), of New Jersey. The family were dependent on the daily 
labor of the father, who died when James was thirteen, so that 
responsibilities were thrust upon him early in life. By using his 
spare time, he early qualified to teach, which he followed many years. 
His pioneer school work at New Vienna, Ohio, has previously been 
mentioned. At the time of his death he was president of Hunting- 
don College. He united with the church in his seventeenth year and 
in 1838, he was called to the ministry, a work that never ceased until 
his lips refused to continue the petition he was offering at the confer- 
ence at North Manchester, Indiana. Here, May 19, 1888, while calling 
upon the Lord, the Lord invited him home. As a teacher, evangel- 
ist, debator, editor and author, he became the best known brother of 
his day. 

His close connection with Southern Ohio history began through 
the school work which he did in the bounds of the Lexington Church 
in 1861 and the fact that he moved the ''Gospel Visitor'' office to 
Covington in 1866 and continued to be a power in the deliberations 
of the District until his removal to Pennsylvania. His second 

wife, Fannie Studebaker, whom he married in 1861, was of Miami 



546 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



County, Ohio. His first wife, Mary Ann Moser, whom he had mar- 
ried in 1850 having died in 1857. Elder Quinter left an impress for 
good wherever he lived and Southern Ohio is glad she could call 
him at least for a short time, her verv own. 



^W if 





Elder James Quinter and wife. 
The most eminent editor, evangelist and educator of his day. 



RALPH G. RARICK 

Ralph Glen Rarick son of Levi and Amanda Rarick (nee Var- 
ner), was born at Royerton, Indiana, February 18, 1893. In 1905, 
he united with the church at Mississinewa, of which congregation, 
he wrote a fine history in 1917. 

He was called to the ministry in the Bethany Church, Indiana, 
January 1, 1914. His education beyond the high school consists of 
Bible work at Manchester College and Bethany Bible School. Novem- 
ber 29, 1917, he was married to Vinnia C. Harshbarger. They have 



of the Southern District of Ohio 547 

one child. In 1919, they placed their membership in the Pleasant Hill 
Church, Ohio, but are doing mostly evangelistic work. They are 
now engaged in the southland for the General Mission Board. 



1 1 1 1 1 1 n^ro lpXj fejEij 1 1 h 1 1 i 



ALVA RICHARDS 



Alva Richards, son of John S. and Mary Ann Richards (nee 
Petry), was born near West Manchester, Ohio, February 8, 1884, 
He united with the church when twelve, and when eighteen, his 
father died, so he had to quit high school with two and a half years to 
his credit. He was married to Clara Viola, daughter of B. F. Sharp, 
March 25, 1906. 

His duties since 1909 have been as city mail carrier. The year 
preceeding, he had moved to California, and was put to the deacon- 
ship in 1910 in the South Los Angeles Church. Returned to Ohio, 
in 1911, to the West Dayton Church until 1918, when he moved to 
the Bear Creek Church where he was called to the ministry, Septem- 
ber 2, 1919. 



HERBERT F. RICHARDS 

H. F. Richards was born on a farm in Preble County, Ohio, 
September 21, 1883. He united with the church when thirteen 
and when twenty-four was called to -the ministry in Price's Creek 
Church. December 25, 1904, he was married to Mary Eby, daughter 
of Elder Henry Eby, spent five years of married life on the farm, 
two of which were spent in the ministry. He served three years as 
pastor of Winona, Minnesota, while attending the State Normal. He 
was called to the eldership here at the age of thirty. He graduated 
from Manchester College in 1918. He is now pastor at Bethany 
branch of the Chicago Church while completing the seminary course. 
He has much oratorical ability. 



548 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



JOSEPH P. ROBBINS 

Joseph P. Robbins was of English parentage and was born in 
Greene County, Ohio, November 3, 1868. He united with the church 
in July, 1894. He was married March 29, 1891, near Potsdam, Ohio, 
to Amanda E. Myers. His election to the ministry occurred April 
30, 1908, in the Wolf Creek congregation. His father died June 
20, 1881, when Brother Robbins was nearly thirteen years old. He was 
thus thrown largely on his own resources. Brother Robbins now re- 
sides with the Salem congregation. 



m 




Elder John A. Robinson. 
Pastor of the Pleasant Hill Church. 



JOHN A. ROBINSON 

John A. Robinson, third son of Elder Thomas A. and Adaline 
Robinson (nee Gish), was born in Douglas County, Kansas, July 11, 
1889. His boyhood was spent in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



549 



In the latter state he united with the church at Mansfield in 1902. 
He was elected, July .17, 1909, to the ministry in the Muscatine 
Church, Iowa, and ordained December 5, 1916. He was married 

to Nora E., daughter of Elder G. W. Minnich, July 16, 1912. He 




Nora (Minnich) Robinson- 
attended Bethany Bible School and has held pastorates in Denver, 
Colorado, and Des Moines, Iowa, and is now the pastor of the Pleas- 
ant Hill Church, Ohio. He is big physically as well as mentally. 
At the early age of sixteen he began lecturing on the temperance 
platform. 



J. W. ROGERS 

J. W. Rogers was born in Franklin County, Virginia. May 20, 
1877. He was married to Minnie M. Sanger, December 15, 1897. 
He united with the Chestnut Grove Church, Fayette County, West 
Virginia, the same year. He was elected a deacon in 1899, a minis- 
ter in 1901, and ordained in 1905, all in the same congregation. Since 
December 28, 1919, he resided in the Pitsburg Church territory. 



550 History of the Church of the Brethren 



JOHN H. ROOT 

John H. Root was born near New Lebanon, Ohio, July 23, 1873. 
His conversion occurred in 1898. He was married to Jennie Bercaw, 
May 4, 1895. He was elected a deacon April 27, 1911, a minister 
August 27, 1914. and ordained April 25, 1918. All his church activity 
has been spent with the Eversole congregation where he for some years 
was superintendent of the Sunday school and now is the Presiding 
Elder. While elected to the ministry rather late in life, few have 
advanced in their calling more rapidly than he. 



1 1 1 1 ii i TT^ Mcyn r ninir 



I. J. ROSENBERGER 

I. J. Rosenberger was born near Tiffin, Ohio, April 20, 1842, 
and reared on a farm near Fostoria. He was the second son of 
Daniel and Elizabeth Rosenberger. He was an early lover of books 
and closely applied himself. When his school mates were having 
their games, he would often be seen in some corner, getting ready for 
a coming lesson. 

He joined the church at the age of seventeen, being the only 
young member in that congregation. At this time he began teaching 
school. He was united in marriage to Mary, eldest daughter oif 
Morgan Workman of Wooster, Ohio. They lived the first year of 
married life near the Rome Church of which J. P. Ebersole was a 
life-long elder. They then moved on the Workman homestead near 
Loudonville, Ohio. Here he was elected to the ministry, Elder H. 
D. Davy officiating. 

His duties began at once. The first Sunday morning after his 
election he received the following note. "Brother I. J. : Please at- 
tend the appointment at the Rollen School House at 10:30 a. m. and at 
the Greentown Church at 3 p. m." Signed Morgan Workman. 

After four years, he moved to Sugar Ridge, the west branch of the 
Rome Church, where there was a church house and twenty members. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



551 



He remained here for eleven years. A congregation was organized 
and a colony of forty- five members was gathered in Henry County 
fifteen miles away and a mission in Wood County twelve miles away. 
As I. J's evangelistic labors were increasing, by invitation he moved 
to Covington. From that time on, he gave from four to nine months 
of his time, each year for thirty-three years to revival work. He 
was also on the tract examining committee for a number of years. 
He was frequently a contributor to church periodicals and was the 
author of eighteen leaflets, tracts, pamphlets and books, besides his 



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Elder I. J. Rosenberger and wife. 
A very successful evangelist in past decades. 



Doctrinal Calendar and Chart of the Jewish Passover and the Lord's 
Supper. He was also a member of the Historical Committee of 
Southern Ohio. He and his wife together attended thirty-eight 
Annual Conferences and he himself a half dozen more, serving four 
times on the standing committee. His wife was not only helpful to 
him in the ministry but in his finances so that through their liberality 
the General Mission Board in the organization of its interests and some 



552 History of the Church of the Brethren 

of our schools, especially Bethany, received liberal contributions. 
In October, 1913, he buried his wife, and four years later, he married 
Melissa C. Young, widow of Elder Abram Young-. Elder Rosenber- 
ger then located in Greenville. He spends his winters now in Florida. 



A. S. ROSENBERGER 

Abram Seidell Rosenberger was born May 8, 1848, near Fostoria, 
Ohio. He was of a family of nine. He was a brother to I. J. 
Rosenberger. He taught school when but a youth, and then deter- 
mined to be a doctor. He was a student at Oberlin College when 
Dr. Finney was president. At twenty-one he opened an office at 
Carey, Ohio. Even as a very young physician, he had a large prac- 
tice. He was married April 13, 1871, to Sabrina Workman of Lou- 
donville, Ohio. 

They had two sons and one daughter (Bertha). She married 
Dr. J. M- Wine of Dayton, Ohio. After Doctor Rosenberger's call 
to the ministry, he had a double duty to preform. He loved young 
people and gave them much counsel. He officiated at many wed- 
dings. As a, physician, he was a very conscientious prescribe!*. Fie 
had taken postgraduate courses in medical schools in Chicago, Phila- 
delphia and New York. He was vice-president of the Ohio State 
Medical Society at the time of his death. He died April 5. 1913. 

His first wife died April 4, 1891. She had been afflicted 
for many years. His second wife was Elizabeth Delp. She was a 
daughter of Godshell and Mary Delp (nee Heckler), born at Mainland 
near Philadelphia. She went to Juniata College, graduating in 1891. 
She taught school a number of years. Before Elizabeth was ten years 
old, she wrote rhymes which w T ere published in children's papers. 
At fourteen she was a regular contributor to the church periodicals, 
which has continued all these years. She has also written instructive 
books. April 19, 1919, she became the wife of Elder P. J. Blough and 
now resides in Johnstown Pennsylvania. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



553 




A. S. Rosenberger and wife. 

The sister in the picture was the doctor's second wife, formerly 

Elizabeth Delp. 



SAMUEL D. ROYER 

Samuel D. Royer was the seventh child of Jacob and Susanna 
Royer, born June 3, 1840. He was reared on a farm and secured a 
good common school education. In May, 1864, he moved to Darke 
County, Ohio, where he married Mary Mummert December 19, 1865. 
He confessed Christ in 1858 and has been a willing worker ever since. 
He was first called to the deacon's office, and November 7, 1885, 
he was elected to the ministry. He gave most faithful service on 
the tract committee of which he served through its entire history. 
He is a brother of the late John G. Royer of school prominence in 
our Brotherhood. 



554 History of the Church of the Brethren 




Samuel D. Royer. 
He was a member of the Book and Tract Committee. 



WILLIAM ROYER 

William Royer, eldest son of David Rover, a deacon of the Poplar 
Grove Church, was born October 13, 1873, near Winchester, Indiana. 
He moved with his parents in 1882 near the Poplar Grove Church. 
He united with the church when sixteen. Five years were spent in 
teaching school, mostly in the bounds of the Ludlow congregation, 
where, August 20, 1898, he was united in marriage to Ida Eikenberry, 
daughter of Jacob Eikenberry. March 28, 1903, he was called to the 
ministry, and ordained elder August 19, 1911. When the Ludlow 
Church was divided he was chosen to the oversight of the northern 
part, Painter Creek, at its organization, and served until in December 
1917, when he was chosen to the same position jointly with Elder 
Lawrence Kreider. His children came to the church quite young and 
are promising. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



dds 




Elder William Royer and wife. 
One of the elders of the Painter Creek Church. 



nnnmggMfti 



HARVEY C. ROYER 

Harvey C. Royer was born November 7, 1877, in Randolph 
County, Indiana, in the bounds of the Union City Church, the son of 
David and Barbara Royer (nee Wise). He is a brother of Elder 
William Royer. 

He married Anna D. Neher, December 22, 1900. He is now 
living at Custer, Mason County, Michigan. He was the efficient 
secretary and treasurer of the Southern Ohio Mission Board for some 
years. 



556 History of the Church of the Brethren 



OLIVER ROYER 

Oliver Royer was born in Randolph County, Indiana, October 
6, 1885. He was a son of John and Elizabeth Royer. He was 
reared on a farm, and after leaving school became a school ,teacher 
for a while and then implement dealer. He was married to Bessie 
Puderbaugh, September 7, 1907. She is a granddaughter of Elder 
Thomas Wenrick. He was baptized October 31, 1897. He was 
elected to the ministry September 9, 1911, in the Price's Creek Church. 
He was ordained in 1918. December 1, 1914, he took charge of the 
Charleston Mission where he stayed until September 1, 1918, when he 
moved to Circleville, Ohio, where he is engaged in pastoral duties. 
Brother Royer is also a fine leader in song. 



miR)TOpiniinn 



GALEN B. ROYER, JR. 

Galen B. Royer, Junior, was born near Greenville, Ohio, April 10, 
1894. He was the son of Moses and Rebecca Royer (nee Minnich). 
He united with the church, January 17, 1911, at Painter Creek. 
He was elected to the ministry in June, 1916. He taught school in 
1912. He attended Manchester College and graduated in 1917 with 
the A. B. degree. 

December 24, 1917, he married Nellie I. Credlebaugh of New 
Carlisle. In 1918 he became the pastor of the Huntington Church, 
Indiana. In 1918-1919 he went to Bethany Bible School and be- 
came assistant pastor of the Douglas Mission, Chicago. 



WILLIAM E. ROYER 

The parents of William E. Royer were Samuel and Mary Royer, 
whose home he came to gladden April 29, 1878, at New Madison, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 557 



Ohio. His education was received in the common schools of Darke 
County. He was married to Elizabeth Landis, November 28, 1901. 
Farming has been his occupation. 

In November, 1919, he was elected to the ministry in the Brad- 
ford Church. 



JONAS G. ROYER 

Jonas G. Rover, the son of William and Martha Royer, was born 
November 12, 1894, near New Madison, Ohio. His mother is a 
daughter of Elder Nathan Groff. Jonas was married to Laura De- 
hoff, March 16, 1918. She is the daughter of M. K. and M. A. De- 
hoff. 

Brother Royer was elected to the ministry February 22, 1919. 
On account of his being in France at the time, he was not installed 
until after his return, which was August 23, 1919. He is now teach- 
ing school. 



JACOB D. SANDY 

Jacob D. Sandy was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, 
March 28, 1854. He came to Clark County, Ohio, in 1872. He was 
joined in marriage with Sabina C, daughter of John and Mary Eber- 
sole (nee Heck), November 21, 1878. To them were born one son 
who died in childhood, and one daughter who is a worthy mem- 
ber of the church. 

At the age of seventeen he came into the church. He was 
called to the ministry July 21, 1888, and was ordained June 28, 1900. 
Brother Sandy has been one of the main stays of the Donnel's Creek 
Sunday school in which he has been a teacher for nearly thirty years. 
After L. R. Peifer moved to Chicago, Brother Sandy became active 
elder in charge. September 5, 1914, he was chosen bishop for three 



558 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



years. September 15, 1917, he was re-elected for a like term. Elder 
Sand)/ aspires to no distinction, always preferring others before him- 
self. 




Elder Jacob D. Sandy and wife. 
The present Presiding Elder of the Donnel's Creek Church. 



ttti 1 1 \ iu\(M fyfcj ^mrm 



RUDY A. SAYLOR 

Rudy A. Saylor was born at North Star, Ohio, December 13, 
1877. He was converted December 20, 1896, and was married to 
Clara Schenck, December 13, 1903. 

Hie was elected to the ministry in the Smith Fork Church, 
Colorado, March 25, 1911. He was reared in Ohio, But went to 
Colorado in March, 1910, left there in November, 1913, for Eastern 
Kansas and came hack to Ohio in January, 1915. He now resides 
with the Painter Creek congregation. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 559 



EDGAR ELLSWORTH SCHOOLEY 

Edgar E. School ey was born July 1, 1899, near Peebles, Ohio. 
One year later his parents moved to Highland County, where, during 
a revival in 1911 in the White Oak Church by J. O. Garst, he was 
baptized by him. Later his parents moved to Clermont County and 
in 1917 near Middletown. Here he was installed into the ministry 
March 15, 1919, by members of the Ministerial Board, S. Z. Smith 
and J. O. Garst. By the latter, he was united in marriage, August 
26, 1919, to Ida May Wray. By a peculiar coincidence, Elder Garst 
has been present at all the more important spiritual epochs in Brother 
Schooley's life. 



WILLIAM K. SELL 

W. K. Sell was born, December 1, 1866, in Randolph County, Indi- 
ana. He is the youngest of eleven children, of George and Peggy 
Lambert Sell, the oldest being the wife of Elder W. K. Simmons. 
He was united in marriage with Ida Mae Zumbrum, December 22, 
1887, by Henry Cook. He was reared in the Christian Church but 
in February, 1888, united with the Church of the Brethren in Union 
City. He moved to Pleasant Valley Church in 1905. He was 
elected deacon, September 22, 1906, and to the ministry, Septem- 
ber 10, 1915. 



EMANUEL SHANK 

Emanuel Shank was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery 
County, Ohio, July 8, 1857. His parents were William and Martha 



560 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Shank (nee Erisman). He was converted in 1886 in the Lower 
Miami Church. He married Alice Caylor, December 21, 1882. Of 
this union, two children are living. In June, 1887, he was elected to 
the deacon's office. In June, 1889 he was elected to the minis- 
try and, June 5, 1902, ordained elder. He presided over the 
Lower Miami Church a short period in 1916-17. He has belonged 
most of his life to this church, however, he moved to Lower Twin in 
1891, then in 1896 back to Lower Miami, and in 1917 to the Trot- 
wood Church. His wife died April 14, 1919. 



RAY O. SHANK 

Ray O. Shank was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Decem- 
ber 14, 1892, the son of Noah and Anna Shank (nee Sipe). He was 
baptized September 30, 1905. He was married to Beulah Kreider, 
daughter of Elder Lawrence Kreider, in 1918. He was elected to the 
ministry, August 28, 1918, in the Brookville Church near which he 
resides. He is a young man of fine ability. He preaches much at 
the Arlington Church. 



BENJAMIN F. SHARP 

Benjamin F. Sharp was born at Rose Hill, Darke County, Ohio, 
February 4, 1862, , of Methodist parents. On January 24, 1881, he 
united with the church, now the Eversole Church, Elder Jacob 
Garber officiating. After moving to the Ludlow Church, he 
was married to Rebecca J. Rife, February 6, 1883. He moved 
to the Pleasant Valley congregation seven years later. Here he 
was elected to the ministry April 22, 1891. After living here nine 
years he moved to the Palestine Church staying eight years then 
moved into the bounds of the Poplar Grove Church where he still 
resides. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



561 



He was ordained here June 18, 1910. He is a member of 
the District Ministerial Committee. In addition to having charge of 
his home church he presides over Union City, Pleasant Valley and 
Greenville churches. He has done some good evangelistic work and 
is a good counselor. 



J. HENRY SHOWALTER 

The subject of this sketch was born in Rockingham County, 
Virginia, November 2, 1864, the son of John A. and Susannah Sho- 
walter (nee Miller). He united with the church in 1881. He was 




J. Henry Showalter. 

married to Emma Brumbaugh July 27, 1886. His distinctive life 
work has been that of singer, teacher, composer and publisher of 



562 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



sacred music. He inherited his father's musical talent. Brother 
Showalter's voice is a high baritone of full musical quality, which 
has been improved under the tutorship of some of America's best 
vocal teachers. He has instructed about 14.000 students, mostly in 
Normals in the Southern States. He has edited or assisted in edit- 
ing about thirty music books, included in which were "The Breth- 
ren's Hymnal," "Kingdom Songs" and "His Psalms, Hymns and 
Spiritual Songs." The latter, (Numbers 1 to 5) enjoyed a circula- 
tion of over one hundred thousand. Since 1887, with the exception 
of five years in the south, he has lived at West Milton, Ohio. 



WILLIAM K. SIMMONS 

William K. Simmons was born August 31, 1841, three miles north 
west of Union City, Indiana. His parents were Aaron (born in 
1810) and Rebecca Simmons (born in 1818). He was converted in 



■^^!—- 






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1 v. 


it : :f r? v «« - 






■ntti 







Elder William K. Simmons and wife. 



June, 1866, and was elected to the ministry one year later. He was 
united in marriage to Malinda A. Sell in June, 1865. He was or- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 563 

dainecl in the 80's and served on the standing committee twice. He 
served on many committees. He was Presiding Elder over the 
Union City Church from 1887 to 1912. He also had the oversight 
of the Bear Creek, Indiana, and Pleasant Valley, Ohio, churches for 
a number of years. He also had charge of the Blue Creek Church. 
He is a grandson of William K. Marquis, the pioneer preacher of the 
Union City Church, and has inherited a full degree of courtesy and 
tactfulness from his French ancestry. Elder Simmons has lived a 
long life of usefulness and purpose in the church. 



JOHN SMITH 

John Smith was born in Montgomery County, Ohio. His father 
was Abraham Smith who came from Bedford County, Pennsylvania, 
in 1809, settling on a farm six miles northwest of Dayton. Abraham 
remained on the farm with his mother and stepfather until 1824 when 
he was married to Catherine Bowman, daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth Bowman. They continued to reside on the same farm and 
here November 30, 1827, a son was born whom they called John, 
the subject of this sketch. 

In August, 1829, Abraham's wife died and he remained on the 
farm with his mother and the child. John was brought up on the 
farm, receiving a fair education considering the pioneer difficulties 
of the day. October 14, 1847, John was united in marriage with 
Susan Wolf, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Wolf and continued 
the pursuit of farming on the same farm and became quite prosperous. 

A family of six children blessed their union. In July, 1851, he 
and his companion united with the Lower Stillwater Church. In 
August, 1856, he was called to the deacon's office. In May, 1862, 
he was called to the ministry, and ordained in November, 1879. There 
was not much required of him for a number of years as there were 
several older active ministers in the church. But as their powers 
began to wane in the early 70's Brother Smith came rapidly to the 
front about the Centennial year and for twenty-five years he was 
among the most active elders and ministers in Southern Ohio. His 



564 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



pleasant countenance, patience, comprehension, and determination, 
fitted him so well to meet the various problems that arose in the 
handling of the various phases in the Old Order and Progressive di- 
visions. 

It looked as though Providence has especially called him and 
Elder Jacob Garber to the emergency. They were in the prime of life, 
had just been ordained on the eve of the withdrawal movement, 
and were so well qualified to meet the various issues. Elder Smith 
was never considered a full evangelist, but did much preaching, 
ministering at hundreds of funerals. He presided over his home 
church and a number of other churches. He was an officer of the 





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Margaret Garver Smith. 



District Meeting a number of times and served on the standing com- 
mittee four times and various other committees. His wife died 
August 29, 1889, and he married Margaret Garver, widow of Elder 
George Garver, December 1, 1891. He moved to Trotwood later, 
living happily more than a score of years and dying February 17, 1914. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



565 



His wife, Margaret Garver Smith, lived until September 14, 1918, 
aged 81 years, 2 months and 15 days when called home. 



S. Z. SMITH 

Samuel Z. Smith, the first of a family of five children of 
Joseph M. and Elizabeth Smith, was born June 20, 1866, near Brad- 
ford, Ohio. He was unable to complete a high school course as the 
panic of the seventies coming 4 on, made it obligatory to help his father 




Elder S. Z. Smith and wife. 
He is the pastor of the Sidney Church. 

on the farm which had been purchased near Covington. His first Sun- 
day-school experience was in the old cooper shop west of Bradford. 
Later he attended Sunday school at the Covington Church where he 
acted as chorister a few years. He was married to Sarah Mohier 
January 14, 1886, and on the evening of June 13, 1886, they were 



566 History of the Church of the Brethren 

baptized. His wife died August 31, 1893, leaving him with two 
children, Ivy and Arthur. He then married Cora Pittenger, November 
29, 1894, and moved on a large farm near Pitsburg. Here he 
was called to the ministry, December 17, 1897. He moved to Pleasant 
Valley in 1901. At the call of the Mission Board, he moved to 
Sidney, February 22, 1905. Here he was ordained May 27, 1910, 
and became its Presiding Elder up to the present. 

The faithful work done is shown by the fact that during this 
time the church house has been twice enlarged and two hundred have 
been baptized. He is recognized as one of the best solicitors the 
Mission Board has ever employed and is also known as a very suc- 
cessful evangelist. His present wife, Cora A. Smith (nee Pitten- 
ger), was born August 8, 1871, being the fifth child in a family of 
eight, John M. Pittenger, being one of her brothers, three years her 
senior. When she was thirteen her father died;, so that home duties 
prevented her attending high school, the desire of her heart. Liv- 
ing on the farm two miles east of Pleasant Hill she attended church 
at Pleasant Hill and the Sugar Grove house. When eighteen she 
united with the church, since which time she has actively engaged in 
Sunday-school work being superintendent of the Sidney school for 
the past fifteen years. 



H. Z. SMITH 

H- Z. Smith was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Smith, born 
near Bradford, Ohio, November 8, 1869. He was converted December, 
1890, at Covington, in a revival by I. D. Parker. He was married 
to Minna Belle Christian, November 5, 1891. She died, then he mar- 
ried Ella Mae Neher February 13, 1913. He was elected to the 
ministry in Oakland Church, March 18, 1903, and ordained at the 
same place August 30, 1913. He is brother of Elder S. Z. Smith, 
of Sidney. After his second marriage he moved to Logan County. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 567 



ALBERT R. SMITH 

Albert R. Smith is the son of Charles W. and Almeda Smith, born 
at Bradford, Ohio, October 12, 1897. Pie united with the church 
at Red River January 16, 1914. 

He was elected to the ministry by the Painter Creek congregation 
August 17, 1918. He has volunteered for foreign missionary work 
and has attended Bethanv Bible School. 



SAMUEL SNELL 

Samuel Snell was born in Kosciusco County, Indiana, April 7, 
1853. His father, John Snell, was a native of Rockingham County, 
Virginia, and his mother, Magdalena Brower, of Augusta County, Vir- 
ginia. 

After their marriage they first settled in Preble County, Ohio, 
and later moved to Indiana where their family grew to maturity. 
Their mother was a member of the Brower family that has given 
many able ministers to the Lord's work. She and her husband were 
destined to become the founders of another family noted for its 
ministerial blood. Four of their sons, Jacob, Daniel, Levi and 
Samuel filled this holy calling. Five grandsons are also ministers 
and one of them, A. W. Ross, has long been a missionary in India. 

Samuel was married to Sarah Adams, November 30, 1873. From 
this union two children were born ; the son, Harvey, is now an elder in 
the church. March 26, 1889, the mother died. January 24, 1891, he 
was united in marriage to Mary A., daughter of John R. and Nancy 
Brumbaugh (nee Heckman), of Salem Church. They have one 
son, John. Brother Snell was chosen deacon in 1893, to the ministry 
in 1897 and ordained in 1907. In 1902 he located at Charleston, Ross 
County, taking charge of the mission. After about eighteen months 
local work there, he returned to the Salem Church. As co-laborer and 
counselor, his work is appreciated in this church. 



568 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Elder Samuel Snell and wife. 



JOHN W. SOLLENBERGER 

John W. Sollenberger was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, 
March 7, 1823. He was the son of Jacob and Anna Sollenberger 
(nee Wingard), who soon moved to Ohio where Jacob Sollenberger 
died. A few years later the mother married John Miller near Day- 
ton, Ohio. To them were born Aaron. Moses, Anna, Susan, Sarah, and 
Mary. John W. assisted his stepfather on the farm until he was nine- 
teen years of age at which time he received from him some land in Elk- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



569 



hart County, Indiana. At the age of twenty-one he married Catherine 
Peffly. 

The following year they took possession of their farm in Indiana. 
Ill health caused them to change locations and finally returned to 
Ohio in 1853, locating near Salem Church ; here his sons, Jacob, John, 




Elder John W. Sollenberger and wife. 



David, Aaron, Moses, William, Henry, and daughter, Elizabeth, grew 
to maturity. 

In 1859 he and his wife became members of the church and, 
June 9, 1864, were called to the deacon's office ; in November of 
the same year, he was elected to the ministry and ordained, May 4, 
1882. 

He became overseer of the church in 1884, continuing until 1889. 
About three years after the death of his first wife in 1876, he married 
Sarah Stauffer who survived until August 1918. He died March 
22, 1892, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was modest and reserved, 
with high ideals of personal honesty. 



570 History of the Church of the Brethren 



D. P. SOLLENBERGER 

David P. Sollenberger, son of J. W- and Catherine Sollenberger 
(nee Peffly), was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana, November 14, 
1851. He became a member of the church, August 6, 1876, was soon 
called to the deaconship and, January 19, 1895, to the ministry in the 
Middle District Church. His wife was Rebecca A. Yount, a sister 
of Oliver Yount. Brother Sollenberger was a very conscientious, hard 
worker in the Sunday school in his earlier years, and had a beautiful 
home in which he reared his four sons and two daughters under 
Christian influences and who are now making good, one son, O. C, 
being in mission work in China. Brother Sollenberger died Novem- 
ber 6, 1915. 



O. C. SOLLENBERGER 

O. C. Sollenberger, son of Davd P. Sollenberger, was born on a 
farm near Fidelity, Ohio, March 29, 1889. He is fourth in a family 
of six. During a series of meetings held by Ezra Flory, he united 
with the church at the age of fourteen. May 12, 1912, he was 
united in marriage to Hazel Coppock, a childhood acquaintance of 
his. Together they continued their work in Bethany Bible School, also 
later at Manchester College. He was graduated in the liberal arts 
course at Manchester College in 1917, and later in the seminary course 
at Bethany. He was elected to the ministry in the Middle District 
Church, September 19, 1918, Elders Jacob Coppock and J. O. Garst 
having charge of the services. Filled with intense longing for mis- 
sion work, he and his wife received their appointment to the China 
Mission in 1919, and are now in that field. His wife, Hazel Sollen- 
berger (nee Coppock), only daughter of John W. and Mary Hikes 
Coppock, was born in Kentucky, July 4, 1891. When she was eight 
years old, her family moved to the old Coppock homestead near Tip- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 571 

pecanoe City, where her parents still reside. Elder Claude Coppock 
is a brother of hers. Her spiritual life began in the Middle District 
Church, January 1, 1906. As the years came a cherished desire to 
be more used in the Master's service grew, and after her marriage to 
O. C. Sollenberger, she found in him a congenial companion of like 
mind. They have two children. 



CLARENCE C. SOLLENBERGER 

Clarence C. Sollenberger was born at Union, Ohio, February 8, 
1891. His parents were Jacob J. Sollenberger and Martha Sollen- 
berger (nee Folkerth). He was married August 10, 1916, at Spencer, 
Ohio, to Cora Mae Horst. He was elected to the ministry in the 
Salem Church November 25, 1912. He completed the Randolph 
High School course in 1910, spent the next year in Manchester College., 
taught in the public school two years, spent two years in Bethany 
Bible School 1913-1915, entered Manchester College in the spring of 

1915, and completed the college course in the spring of 1916. While 
at North Manchester, January 11, 1911, he was received into the 
church. He had charge of Circleville pastorate from September, 

1916, until April, 1918. At present he is pastor of Morrellville Church 
Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His wife is a great helper in his work. 



FREDERIC STAUFFER 

Frederic Stauffer was born, December 19, 1825, one mile south 
of Salem, Ohio. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Stauffer. 
They moved to Darke County, Ohio, in 1834. He was married to 
Sarah Braddock, March 8, 1849. They had three children. They 
united with the church in 1850. He was elected to the deacon's of- 
fice in 1855, to the ministry in 1859, and advanced to the second de- 
gree one year later. He proved very useful in the ministry. He 



572 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



was clear and logical in his statements. He had a rich bass voiice 
that could be heard in any audience. His physical appearance was 
commanding. He fell victim to typhoid fever, June 25, 1867, in 
his forty-second year. His widow survived him, becoming the wife 
of Elder John Sollenberger, for years assisting him in his responsible 
work and was his widow for more than score of years. Her home 
was in Roanoke, Virginia, where she died in August, 1918. 




Frederic Stauffer. 



ELIAS STAUFFER 

Elias Stauffer was born, April 13, 1835, near Salem, Ohio. He 
always lived on a farm. He married Anna Hollinger, December 31, 
1858. Seven children were born to them. One son died in infancy, 
and another son, Benjamin, when he was thirty-six years old. John 



of the Southern District of Ohio 573 

is a deacon in Indiana, and Harvey, an elder in Michigan. Hettie 
became the wife of J. C. Bright, and Lydia, a teacher in college. 
Lucinda keeps the home fires burning for the aged father. Brother 
Stauffer served a short time on the District Mission Board. 



:;*>= 



CHARLES R. STOCKDALE. 



Charles R. Stockdale was born, March 1, 1887, in Darke County, 
Ohio. In his early youth he had the misfortune to lose one of his 
hands by an accident, but this only inspired him to acquire an educa- 
tion and later he became a successful schoolteacher. He was con- 
verted December, 1901, and his marriage occurred. March 24, 1906. 
His wife is Grace Stockdale (nee Noffsinger). 

He was elected to the ministry in the Poplar Grove Church, De- 
cember 3, 1910. He has spent most of his years in the neighborhood 
of Union City, but he lived a year or more in Michigan. He is now 
in the Union City Church. 



JOHN M. STOVER 

John M. Stover was born at Bradford, Ohio, January 28, 1871, 
the son of Emanuel and Joanna Stover (nee Mohler). He is a 
graduate of the Bradford High School, and spent about a year at 
Mount Morris College. He was married to Katherine Porter, April 
15, 1896. They have one daughter living, Olive. He united with 
the church in 1886, was elected to the ministry in December, 1897, 
ordained October 26, 1912. 

He has been connected mostly with the Harris Creek Church 
though a while with .the Oakland Church. He now lives in Bradford, 
where he has the oversight of the church at that place. Elder Stover 
is a very worthy brother. 



574 



History of the Church of the Brethren 




Elder John M. Stover and wife. 



mWigm 



JOHN STUDEBAKER 

This early minister in Salem Church, was born in 1781. He is 
known to have lived near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, from whence he 
came to Stark County, Ohio. The exact date of his coming to Mont- 
gomery County is not known but he lived first on a farm now owned 
by F. C. Puterbaugh and later near Phillipsburg. He was a minister 
at the organization of Salem Church. He became interested in the 
views of Michael Landis and in 1834 identified himself with that 
movement. Later he returned to the church and may have become 
her bishop a while, a position it seems he had held before. His wife's 



of the Southern District of Ohio 575 

name was Margaret. His children were Daniel, David, Isaac, John, 
Joseph, Jonas, Mrs. Peter Weimer and Mrs. Michael Weimer. 

Brother Studebaker died in 1865 at the age of eighty-four years. 
He was very conscientious in business. While living in Johnstown, 
Pennsylvania, a business man, owing him a large sum of money, 
failed. His creditors pushed their claims and he was forced into 
bankruptcy. Brother Studebaker was urged to resort to law to col- 
lect his claim. 

He stoutly refused to violate God's law for the sake of collecting 
money. Later this man prospered in business and made a long trip 
to Stark County, Ohio, to repay Brother Studebaker; finding he had 
moved to Montgomery County, he followed him up and paid every 
cent, interest and all. Elder Studebaker's life demonstrates that 
forbearance always pays in the end. 



DAVID STUDEBAKER 

David Studebaker was born, October 29, 1814, in Miami County, 
Ohio. He was a son of John Studebaker, a deacon, in the early his- 
tory of the Hickory Grove Church. He was married to Catherine 
Rhodeharnel. To this union were born three children. Henry en- 
listed in the Civil War. Later in the service he requested his father 
to come to Tennessee and baptize him which Brother Studebaker did. 
Shortly after, this son being in a hospital, strayed away and never 
was heard of afterwards. Mary married Solomon Karn and died 
soon after. Wesley, the youngest son, was burned to death in an 
infirmary in Delaware County, Indiana. Brother Studebaker died, 
August 2, 1863. 

The cause of his sudden death was the result of having run a nail 
in his foot, which developed into lock jaw. His wife became the 
third wife of Samuel Murray of Indiana and died soon after. Brother 
Studebaker was a worthy minister in the church and much beloved. 
He was retired and unassuming in his manners, esteeming others 
better than himself. In the midst of a useful career his family as 



576 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



well as his church was made to realize that "in the midst of life we 
are in death." The funeral services were performed by brethren H. 
Brubaker and D. Younce. Text Philippians 3: 10. 



1 1 1 1 1 1 1 v / 



ISAAC STUDEBAKER 

Isaac Studebaker, was born, March 23, 1822, in Miami County, 
Ohio, the son of Abraham and Elizabeth Studebaker (nee Steele), 
who were born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and whose grand- 




Isaac Studebaker and wife. 

parents came to Pennsylvania from Germany. Abraham Stude- 
baker came to Ohio in 1812, locating in Miami County. January 25, 
1848, he was married to Anna, daughter of George and Catherine War- 
ner. Ten children were born to this union of whom seven preceeded 
the parents in death. Three daughters survive, namely Sisters D. 
W. Weddle, Priscilla Weddle and Martha Rinehart, who live in the 
bounds of the Casstown Church. Isaac Studebaker was elected to 
the ministry in 1853, serving until his death, September 9, 1904. His 
sickness, hemorrhage of the brain, was of short duration. His wife, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 577 

Anna, survived him about two years, dying from the infirmities of 
old age April 25, 1906. She was an invalid for twenty years, at- 
tending services in an invalid chair. Brother Studebaker was active 
in church work up to within a few weeks of his death. He was an 
aggressive worker often driving eighty miles in one day. His education 
was limited. He regarded himself as one among the first if not the 
first brother to advocate the single mode of footwashing in the Miami 
Valley. Through his own energy he became a man of wide general 
information, sympathetic, and a lover of the right. His voice gave 
way in 1892 which kept him from doing as much preaching as was 
his desire. He was a generous giver and his life was a success from 
a material as well as a spiritual sense. 



SAMUEL F. STUDEBAKER 

Samuel F. Studebaker, the son of Samuel S. and Nancy Stude- 
baker (nee Frantz), was -born in Miami County, Ohio, November 1, 
1859. He was married to Anna May Harnish, March 30, 1882, 
She died December 22, 1889, and he then married Anna Mary Shroyer, 
February 18, 1891. Two children are living from the first mar- 
riage and two from the second. Brother Studebaker is now serving 
the District as an efficient trustee of the Brethren Home. 



GEORGE C. STUMP 

George C. Stump, son of Benjamin and Susanna Stump (nee 
Petry), was born March 13, 1843. He was married to Lavinnah 
Petry, January 10, 1864. His election to the ministry occurred April 
25, 1879, and he was ordained to the eldership in 1909. At the time 
of the division of the church (1881) he was the only minister left in the 
Palestine Church. He was advanced to the second degree of the 



578 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



ministry about that time. He has spent much of the time of his active 
service in this church. In 1917 he, with his faithful wife, moved to the 
Price's Creek Church where they spent their youthful days and where 
he was baptized, January 1, 1865, and his wife in June, 1860. He is a 
fine courteous brother. 









A 






m 

* 


Ml ' ' \m 


■ 



Elder George C. Stump and wife. 



inn <iiiij^))j^((6y Tr: ' 1 1 1 1 1 1 'i 



JESSE STUTSMAN 

Jesse Stutsman was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 
29, 1833. He was a! son of David and Frances Stutsman, who came 
to Ohio in 1802. His father, after clearing four farms, moved, in 1860, 
to Missouri where he died the next year, from overexertion and the 
troubles of the war. 

After his death, the mother returned to Ohio, remaining seven 
years and then moved to Kansas, dying in 1877. Jesse emigrated to 
Missouri, the winter of 1857 and engaged in farming. In 1858 he re- 
turned to Ohio, taught two years then moved to Montgomery County, 
continuing that profession. He taught in all, twenty-six years. He was 
elected to the deaconship in 1866, and to the ministry in 1867. He 
had chosen for his life companion, November 7, 1857, Martha Heisy. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 579 

To them were born nine children. In 1869, he moved to Darke 
County where he bought a farm. As a preacher his were the gifts 
of fine scriptural exposition and rare impressive exhortation. 

He was much sought after for preaching funerals and solemniz- 
ing marriages. He is thought to have approximately 1,400 of the 
former and 200 of the later to his credit. During his lifetime he 
has presided over about a half dozen different churches, including his 
home church, Ludlow. He was always true to his convictions and 
was always listened to by all classes of people with great deference. 
He was frequently an officer of the District Meeting. 

He has attended forty-six Annual Meetings, nearly always as a 
delegate, and served three times on the standing committee and on 
other special committees. As the years are stealing over him he is 
gradually restricting his labors. His wife died, November 9, 1898. 
His daughter, Anna, keeps the hearth radiant with hope and love. 



DAVID STUTSMAN 

David Stutsman was born, August 19, 1857. His parents were 
Abraham and Martha Stutsman. He was converted in 1880. His 
marriage occurred, April 24, 1879. His wife's name was Julia Fitz- 
enmier. 

He was elected to the ministry in the Beaver Creek Church, 
February 24, 1896. He was ordained to the eldership, May 4, 1904, 
in the East Dayton Church. He has had his membership in different 
churches during his activity in the ministry, West Dayton, East Day- 
ton and lastly Fort McKinley where he now preaches. He also did 
some evangelistic work in former years. Elder Stutsman has fine 
social qualities- 



580 History of the Church of the Brethren 



WILLIAM SWINGER 

William Swinger was born August 23, 1872, in Darke County, 
Ohio. His parents were Samuel and Mary Swinger. He is next 
found in Crawford County, Illinois, where, in early manhood, during 
a revival by Silas Gilbert in the Lamonte Church, he joined the 
church. In 1896 he moved to the Wolf Creek Church, then in 1897 to 
the Bear Creek Church where he was elected to the ministry in 1898. 
Later on he moved to the Trotwood Church where he was ordained, 
November 21, 1914, and still resides. December 23, 1893, he married 
Elizabeth E. Stoner. She died and June 21, 1896, he married Esther 
E. Stoner, and again death took his helpmate. December 31, 1907, 
he married Myrtle Horning (nee Brumbaugh), who is very helpful to 
him. 



ROY B. TEACH 

Roy B. Teach was born, June 19, 1887, in Clark County, Ohio. 
His parents were David and Clara Teach (nee Dresner). He was 
converted in 1903 and was married, August 20, 1910, to Alma D. Barn- 
hart. He was elected to the ministry in New Carlisle Church, May 
25, 1918. He taught district school three terms, his education con- 
sisting of a course in the German Township High School from which 
he graduated in 1904, and a short Normal Course at Manchester Col- 
lege. He is now planning full preparation in school for his work in 
the ministry. 



SAMUEL TIPPY 

Samuel Tippy, son of William and Mary Tippy, was born in, 
Montgomery County, Ohio, Eebruary 5, 1853. He was twice mar- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



581 



ried, first to Elizabeth, daughter of David B. and Mary Davis, Decem- 
ber 5, 1889. Three children were born, one living. His wife died, April 
9, 1904, and he married Jennie Davis, a sister of the first wife, 




Samuel Tippy and wife. 

January 25, 1906. Brother Tippy united with the church in 1904 
and the same year was called to the deacon's office, in which he has 
ever since labored faithfully in East Dayton Church. His home is 
noted for its hospitality. 



I. BENNETT TROUT. 

I. Bennett Trout, son of Andrew and Eliza Trout (nee Bennett), 
was born one half mile south of Donnel's Creek Church, May 7, 1860. 
He was married to Sarah, daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Myers 



582 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



(nee Frantz), September 20, 1882. He united with the church, 
March 9, 1884. After completing the district school he attended the 
National Normal University. He taught many successful terms in 
the public schools. January 26, 1889, he was called to the ministry. 
He served on the District Mission Board from 1893 until November, 
1895, when he moved to Lanark, Illinois. 

For many years he was associated with the Brethren Publishing 
House in the interest of the Sunday-school work. For a number of 
years he was recognized as an evangelist of note, a writer of distinc- 
tion and a leader in the church, but finally became a minister in the 
Progressive Church. He died early in 1920, in Pennsylvania. 




Elder D. F. Warner. 
A recent pastor of the West Dayton Church. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 583 



D. F. WARNER 

D. F. Warner was born in Darke County, Ohio, August 8, ISTS. 
He was a son of Lorenzo D. and Celestia Warner. He was reared 
in Michigan, where his parents had moved when he was but a child. 
His conversion occurred, June 4, 1899. His first wife was Lillian 
Joubert who died, April 4, 1913. He was married to Grace Gnagney, 
September 6, 1914. She is quite helpful to him in his work. He 
was elected to the ministry, February 20, 1909, and ordained to the 
eldership, November 16, 1915. He was educated at Ferris Institute, 
Big Rapids, Michigan, Mount Morris College, and Bethany Bible 
School. 

He taught school thirteen years. He served as District Sunday- 
school secretary of Michigan and in pastorates at Milledgeville and 
Virden, Illinois. His late post of duty was the West Dayton Church 
over which he presided as elder and pastor. 



HERSCHEL WEAVER 

Herschel Weaver was born April 23, 1885, at Lewisburg, Ohio. 
His parents were Joseph and Ella Weaver. His father and grand- 
father died when he was six years old. He then lived with his 
widowed mother and grandmother for nine years. His mother died 
when he was fifteen years old. 

His early religious training was Methodist but later, through the 
influence of his grandmother, he joined the Church of the Brethren, 
in January, 1901. He married Ada Miller, March 26, 1908. . He 
was elected to the ministry, September 14, 1907, and was ordained 
elder in the Price's Creek Church, September 15, 1917. During 
the/ year 1918, he was made the Presiding Elder of this church. He 
received much religious training at Bethany Bible School. Stricken 
with an incurable malady, late in the summer of 1920, he passed away. 
Esteemed by all, his early death was much deplored. 



584 History of the Church of the Brethren 



ABRAHAM WEIMER 

Abraham Weimer was born, May 31, 1843. Early in life he be- 
gan his business career in the flour milling industry, and followed this 
throughout his life. He united with the church when young, and 
served in the capacity of deacon. He was twice elected a member 
of the board of trustees of the Brethren Home. He died January 13, 
1914. He always discharged his Christian duties faithfully. 



FRANK J. WEIMER 

F. J. Weimer, son of Abraham and Catherine Weimer, was born 
July 21, 1878, near West Milton, Ohio. He united with the church 
December 25, 1894, at what is now Poplar Grove. He was married to 
Lillian F. Zumbrun, October 14, 1900, was called to the deacon's of- 
fice in 1906, and to the ministry, August 23, 1907, both elections in 
the Greenville Church. 

His first experience of administering baptism was to his own son 
aged eight years. He was ordained in July, 1911, at Berthold, North 
Dakota, where he had moved some years before. Since then he has 
lived in Darke County, Ohio. He is now at North Manchester, 
Indiana. 



ALLAN WEIMER 

Allan Weimer was born near W^est Milton, Ohio, October 22, 
1S86. In the same month twelve years later he became a member of 
the chuich. His parents were Abraham and Catherine Weimer. He 
married Rebecca E. Kunkle, October 23, 1907. He was elected to the 



of the Southern District of Ohio 585 

deacon's office, December 16, 1908, and in November 2, 1909, to the 
ministry. His election ocurred in the Greenville congregation which 
has ever since been the scene of his church activity. He is specially 
gifted as a leader of, song. He is now serving on the District Sunday- 
school Institute committee. 



LAWRENCE A. WEIMER 

Lawrence A. Weimer, son of A. J. and Mary Weimer, was born 
May 6, 1896, near Dayton, near and in which he has lived all his life. 
He was married to Inez Shephard, December 23, 1917. He was 
baptized in the West Dayton Church, March 26, 1914, where he was 
installed into the ministry, October 3, 1918. His education con- 
sists of what he received from the public schools, high school and 
Jacobs' Business College. He is a fine leader of song. 



STANLEY C. WENGER 

Stanley C. Wenger was born, May 8, 1879, in Montgomery County, 
Ohio. He is a son of William and Mary Ann Wenger. He was 
converted December 18, 1897. He was married to Effie Brumbaugh, 
December 27, 1900. She is a daughter of Elder John H. Brum- 
baugh. He was elected to the ministry, March 26, 1907, in the 
Salem Church. On account of poor health he has been hindered 
some in his church activity. Because of its proximity, most of his 
work has been done at the Arlington house. 



RUSSEL C. WENGER 

Russel C. Wenger, son of J. V. and Catherine Wenger (nee 
Cloppert), was born near West Milton, Ohio, March 23, 1887. He 



586 History of the Church of the Brethren 

was reared on a farm and remained in its quiet pursuits until in March, 
1910, when he was elected to the ministry in the West Milton Church, 
having been a member of the church from his early youth. He was 
married to Ada Klepinger, October 17, 1909. They have three 
children, twin girls and a ,boy. For some years he has been at- 
tending school. He was an A. B. graduate of Manchester College in 
1918, a B. D. graduate of Bethany Bible School in 1919, and se- 
cured the A. M. degree from the University of Chicago in 1919. He 
is now Professor of Biblical Literature and Doctrine at Manchester 
College. He has a promising career before him. 



SAMUEL B. WENGER 

Samuel B. Wenger, son of John and Cassie Wenger (nee Clop- 
pert), was born July 9, 1897. His early life was spent on the farm, 
attending the district school, and West Milton High School, where 
he graduated while quite youthful. Several years were then occupied 
in teaching, and on August 10, 1918, he was united in marriage to 
Mildred Landis. He united with the church in his early years, and 
after serving some time as Sunday-school superintendent, was called 
to the ministry by the West Milton Church, March 21, 1919. 



THOMAS B. WENRICK 

Thomas B. Wenrick was born in Pennsylvania, March 25, 1818. 
He was the first resident elder of the Greenville Creek Church, hav- 
ing moved here previous to 1854, as he was elected to the ministry 
about that time. His wife was Catherine Hardman. His ordina- 
tion to the eldership occurred in 1865, from which time he was the 
Presiding Elder of the congregation. He was a zealous, untiring 
worker, and gave much of his time and money to advance -the church's 
interests, yet left a considerable estate at his death. He opened up 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



5$7 



a large farm and improved it well. He was faithful in the Lord's 
work and received abundant favors in return. As an instance, one 
year he cut a heavy yielding field of wheat, and then plowed the same 
field, expecting to resow it, but enough wheat came up voluntarily, 




Elder Thomas B. Wenrick and wife. 

to make a second crop without resowing. This was an extreme 
instance but true, being vouched for by Elder W. K. Simmons who 
Saw the field. He died November 20, 1884, after a lingering illness 
of a dropsical nature. He was laid to rest at the brick church. The 
funeral discourse from the text, Rev. 14:13, was preached by Elder 
Samuel Neher, assisted by Elders Jesse Stutsman and Tobias Kreider, 
to a large concourse of his flock that he had led so faithfully. 



iiiiiiiini$])M6piiiirnTTT 



A. D. WENRICK 

A. D. Wenrick was born August 17, 1880. His parents were 
John A. and Sarah Wenrick. Having a desire in his youth to bet- 
ter equip himself for spiritual work he spent some time in Taylor 



588 History of the Church of the Brethren 

University. December 17, 1902, he married Carrie C. Coy, a daughter 
of Elder Aaron Coy. In 1908 he was elected to the ministry in the 
Beaver Creek Church where he served in the ministry about eleven 
years. Being of an energetic nature he is now engaged in business 
activities. 



LANDON WEST 

Landon, second son of Janies and Margaret West, was born in 
Adams County, Ohio, December 7, 1841. He was a student of nature 
and the Bible from his early youth. He attended school in Adams 
County, until he availed himself of Brother Quinter's school at New 
Vienna, Ohio. 

He then taught school for several years. During the Civil War, 
be was chosen captain of the Union cavalry, but by reason of his feeble 
health, he was unable to respond. June 22, 1864, he was married to 
Salome Garman. To this union were born two daughters and one 
son. In 1873 the, companion died. At the age of twenty-one, he 
and Joseph Calvert, made application for membership one Sunday, 
December 14, 1862, and were baptized on Sunday, January 11, 1863, by 
Mills Calvert, the father of the other applicant. When twenty-three 
years old he was elected to the ministry by the Brush Creek Valley 
congregation. 

May 23, 1880, he was ordained at Strait Creek Valley Church. 
He served many of the churches of the Southern District of Ohio, 
very acceptably. He was much interested in the children, often hold- 
ing many meetings for their benefit. He was a strong advocate of the 
Sunday school, working unceasingly for its growth and development. 
His great heart went out to the colored race with their limitations, and 
did much for them in various ways. The "Weir" tract written by his 
hand, voices his deep sense of appreciation of their needs. October 
18, 1882, he was married to Barbara Landis of Covington, Ohio. To 
this union were given three sons and two daughters. About 1887, 
his health failed and he was compelled to give up the work so near to 
his heart. February 20, 1900, he with his family moved from Preble 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



589 



County, to Pleasant Hill, where he departed this life, December 16, 
1916, aged 75 years and 9 days. His death was caused from a 
cerebral hemorrhage. Brother West was a writer of some distinc- 
tion. He wrote many very original articles for the press mostly on 
religious subjects. His original views on the origin of the Serpent's 
Mound, one of the prehistoric wonders of Adams County, which was 
Mtuated only about three and a half miles from Brother West's old 




Elder Landon West. 
Our most ardent advocate for work among the colored people. 



home and two miles from the place where he was born, are incorpor- 
ated in the work by E. O. Randall of the State Archaeological and 
Historical Society on this subject. His book on "Close Communion" 
had a wide circulation. Brother West in his prime was an orator of 
no mean ability and fearless in his denunciation of all evil. He fur- 



590 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



nished some data of the history of the southern churches and longed 
to see its completion, but before it could be completed he had passed 
into the presence of Him who knows all history. 



D. D. WINE 

David D. Wine was born near Bridgewater, Virginia, April 8, 
1839. When nineteen years old he united with the church at Beaver 
Creek, Virginia, September 23, 1858. He successfully came 
through the southern lines during the Civil War, and landed 




Elder David D. Wine and wife. 



in the Miami Valley, June 8, 1862. He with other refugees, worked 
among the brethren and February 19, 1865, he was married to Susan 
Miller of near Dayton, Ohio. She was bom January 16, 1845, 
They have three sons and five daughters. They moved to Miami 
County, December 16, 1873. Here he was elected to the ministry 



of the Southern District of Ohio 591 

in the Newton Church, March 11, 1876, and ordained September 7, 
1893. 

While working in the Newton (Pleasant Hill) Church his busiest 
work in the mnistry was done. About the beginning of the new 
century, he moved to Covington. He received his letter from the 
Pleasant Hill Church, January 26, 1902, which he placed with the 
Covington congregation. Here he did his full share of preaching, 
laboring every other way also, in the ministry as opportunity afforded 
until about 1910, since when he has been more reserved in his labors. 
He presided over the Pleasant Hill Church from June 3, 1896, to 
March 21, 1907. 

He likewise has had the oversight of other churches. He 

has solemnized many marriages, preached many funerals, and was a 
successful evangelist for some years. Elder Wine is inbred with a 
full measure of Virginian wit and courtesy. 



NORMAN B. WINE 

Norman B. Wine was born in Basic City, Virginia, February 24, 
1893. After his attendance at common school, he spent two years 
in high school, and the same length of time in a business college. He 
united with the church at Basic City, May 25, 1905. He married 
Grace Edith Hodgden, daughter of Elder Dorsey Hodgden, December 
21, 1916, 

Feeling a call to greater Christian service, he was installed into 
the ministry at the West Dayton Church, October 3, 1918, by Elders 
Jacob Coppock and S. Z. Smith. He is active in this church, and is 
now attending Manchester College. 



592 History of the Church of the Brethren 



CLIFFORD A. WORKMAN 

Clifford A. Workman, son of Uriah C. and Barbara I. Workman, 
(nee Workman) was born in Buckeye City, Ohio, July 7, 1883. He 
came to the church at the age of fifteen years, was elected to the 
ministry in 1910 in the Danville Church, came to Clark County, 1913, 
and located in Tremont City where he engaged in the undertaking 
business. During his three years residence at Donnel's Creek, he 
rendered valuable service in the Springfield City mission. In 1915 
he moved to Columbus where he resided until 1917 when he returned 
to Buckeve City. 



1 1 1 1 1 1 1 iiiJ<d @ .(g)niuiiiiu 



VAN B. WRIGHT 



Van B. Wright, son of Lewis Asbury and Nancy Isabelle Wright, 
first saw the light of day January 20, 1892, in Berrysville, Highland 
County, Ohio. When six years old his parents moved to Careytown, 
same county. Here he grew to manhood, passing through the public 
schools and doing some high school work at Lynchburg. During a 
revival held in the Lexington Church by Samuel Snell he was baptized 
by Allen Ockerman, November 21, 1904. He was elected deacon in 
this church, April 2, 1908, and on October 11, of same year was called 
to the ministry. 

In the spring of 1911, he accepted the work in the southern coun- 
ties under the auspices of the District Mission Board. In this field 
he was first located with his parents at Sinking Spring, and later at 
Peebles, from which latter point he now ministers to the different 
churches in this territory very acceptably. He was ordained on his 
birthday, January 20, 1919, by Elders J. W. Fiddler and J. O. Garst. 
Late in the spring of 1919, his mother died. He was united in 
marriage with Nora Mildred, daughter of Elder Emanuel E. and 
Rosa Shively (nee Morloch), June 29, 1919. She was born Septem- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



593 



her 1, 1889, in Marshall County, Indiana. She united with the 
church under the preaching of D. C. Campbell, and was baptized by 
Joseph John. Her education was secured in Manchester and Mount 
Morris Colleges. In these institutions and at Winona Lake, she also 
studied music, specializing in vocal training. Since then she has 




Elder Van B. Wright and wife. 

taught the service of song to others and acted as song evangelist in 
eight different states. Elder Wright has been very helpful in dig- 
ging up data in the Southern Field for the editor of this work. He is 
genial affable, and big intellectually and bodily. He has been giving 
some attention to evangelistic work. 



PHILIP YOUNCE 

Philip Younce was born in Ashe County. North Carolina, about 
1775, of German parentage. The German name Yontz, Philip 
always wrote Younce. He is said to have been a member of the army 
of General Anthony Wayne, against the Indians in 1794. His regi- 
ment marched from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Ft. Wayne, 



594 History of the Church of the Brethren 

Indiana. About 1808, he was married to Margaret Byrket, also of 
German descent. In 1813, with his wife and two' little boys, he emi- 
grated to Miami County, Ohio. He was then already a minister 
in the church. In the summer of 1814, about three or four thousand 
Indians; were encamped around Greenville, while the second Treaty of 
Greenville was being negotiated with them. It was a festive occa- 
sion. Sister Younce baked a large basket of sweet cakes, and shared 
them with the Indian mothers, who called her children "the white 
papooses." Elder Younce was always held in the highest respect by 
the Indians. He was an entertaining preacher and had fine social 
qualities. The early growth of the church in Miami and Darke 
counties was largely the result of his labors. His early Ohio home 
was close to Nashville, near West Milton. He died April 16, 1864, at 
the home of his son, Abraham, who lived northwest of Pleasant Hill. 
He was buried in the Sugar Hill cemetery by the side of his wife, who 
had preceded him in 1862. 

No stone marks his grave. Their children were John Joseph, 
Andrew, George, Abraham, Isaac, Catherine, Eli, Davis and Mary. 
John, born May 6, 1809, moved to Indiana, and became the first elder 
of the Mississinewa Church. Abraham, also a minister, is noticed 
below. Davis, born in 1827, was called to the ministry when young 
and became an interesting preacher and evangelist. As an exhorter, 
he was rarely excelled. He did much funeral preaching and married 
many couples. His trade was that of a wagon maker in Newton. 
His wife was Mary A. Helmick. In 1872, he moved to Philadelphia, 
to take charge of the Brethren Church there, but returned in two 
years to his former home, finally moving to Syracuse, Indiana, where 
he died in 1897. Several of Elder Philip Younce' s sons were deacons. 
No encomium is too great to bestow upon him and his family, for the 
pioneer church work done by them in Southern Ohio. 



ABRAHAM YOUNCE 

Abraham Younce was born near Fidelity, Ohio, October 7, 1818. 
His wife, Elizabeth Helmick, was born in the same neighborhood, 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



595 



August 19, 1819. He was elected to the ministry, December 27, 
1845, and ordained, August 27, 1863. He lived during his entire life 
with several congregations, was quite active in the ministry and 




■*•** 










Elder Abraham Younce. 

was respected by all. He moved to Preble County about 1865. At the 
time of his death which occurred, December 28, 1881, he had charge 
^f the Lower Twin Church. 



OLIVER F. YOUNT 

Oliver Yount was the only son of Clark and Mary Yount (nee 
Smith). He was born in Miami County, Ohio, June 15, 1846. He 



596 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



attended school in Covington one fall and winter term and there 
joined the Church of the Brethren. The next year he attended the 
Brethren school at New Vienna. 

The year after he attended Delaware College. He then taught 
school several years. In May, 1868, he was married to Phoebe Stude- 
baker and located on a farm near Hickory Grove Church. Here he 
was elected to the ministry in 1873 when twenty-seven years of age. 




Elder Oliver F. Yount. 

The possesser of a good voice and, also, a magnificent physique as the 

picture shows, he was a leader in evangelistic services and song 

wherever he went. 



Later he moved to Tippecanoe City. When Middle District 
Church was organized, he and Samuel Coppock were its ministers. 
He was ordained in 1884. He died at his home in Tippecanoe City, 
November 3, 1888. 

He had a natural inclination for books and had gathered an ex- 
tensive library. About 1880 he prepared a treatise on Final Restora- 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



597 



tion, a subject much agitated about that time and upon which he was 
stirred. He was one of the pioneers in the evangelistic field. He 
died of pneumonia, resulting from a cold contracted while engaged in 
a series of meetings. 

He was much interested in vocal music and was a fine leader of 
song service. His social qualities were of a high order. Because of 
his genial disposition, one soon felt at ease in his company. Had his life 
been spared, the developing qualities of his character pointed toward 
high rank among the leaders of the church. 




Oran S. Yount and wife- 



)98 History of the Church of the Brethren 



ORAN S. YOUNT 

Oran S. Yount was born in a log cabin near Bradford, Ohio, 
June 3, 1874. He was the second son of Solomon and Elizabeth 
Yount. His mother passing into the beyond at an early age, the three 
boys were thrown out in the world among strangers. At sixteen he 
found a home with a devout uncle in Covington. Here was his 
habitation until his marriage to Daisy A. Diltz, November 10, 1895. 
Their home has been blessed with three boys and two girls, the 
youngest daughter dying when seven. He was converted at Coving- 
ton in a revival by H. C. Early in 1893. One year was spent at 
Mount Morris College. 

In 1901, he moved to Troy where he since has resided. This, 
then being in the Casstown congregation, he was elected to the ministry 
in that church, December 6, 1906. He was quite helpful in getting 
the Troy mission on a firm basis in its earlier years. During his 
career he has done much newspaper work, editing and publishing 
papers in Covington, Tippecanoe City and Troy. 



LEVI ZUMBRUN 

Levi Zumbrun was born in Noble County Indiana, January 31, 
1872. His parents were Ezra and Susan Zumbrun (nee Neff). He 
was married to Dona Robbins of Troy, May 14, 1898. They have 
two children. Soon after the marriage, he and his wife joined the 
church. He is now serving his second term as a trustee of the Breth- 
ren Home. Brother Zumbrun quit school in the third grade, coming 
to Brookville in 1883, where he has had a very successful business 
career. 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



599 



INDEX 



Aikey, Elmer 221, 363 

Annual Meetings 341 

Arnold, Christian 103, 363 

Arnold, Joseph 135 

Ash Grove Church 227 

Assembly, The 329 

Aukerman Creek 165 

Bagwell, E. B 114, 363 

Bailey, Hiram 133 

Baker, Henry 225, 365 

Baker, H. M 226, 366 

Baker, H. Jesse 226, 366 

Baker, C. A 307, 367 

Baker, Joshua 256 

Bame, Charles A 120 

Bantz, C. M 89, 367 

Bare, H. W 172 

Barnhart, William W 95, 367 

Barnhart, Josephus E 132, 368 

Barwick, Milton 173, 370 

Bashore, Jacob G 307 

Bates, David 114 

Bear Creek Church 86 

Beaver Creek Church 112 

Becker, Peter 32 

Becker, August 285 

Beech Grove Church 286 

Beeghly, John W 87, 371 

Beer, J. W 67 

Beery, Isaac 150 

Beery, P. H 204, 372 

Beery, Noah V 104, 373 

Beery, Isaac R 210, 373 

Beery, Jesse 152 

Beery, C. O .209, 374 

Beginning Work in America.. 32 

Berkebile, D. G 216, 375 

Binkley, Newton W 257, 376 

Biographies 361 

Blessing, S. A 251, 377 

Blocher, Samuel W 270, 3-78 

Blocher, Ira G 279, 379 

Bock, Daniel 82 

Bock, Samuel 103, 380 

Boggs, William Hitt 202, 380 

Bolinger, Solomon 287, 381 

Book and Tract Work 312 

Bookwalter, Levi A 94, 381 

Bookwalter, Jesse E 96, 383 



Bookwalter, Sylvan 180, 384 

Boomershine, Reuben 107, 385 

Bower, John Jr. . . 241, 385 

Bowman, Benjamin 78, 270 

Bowman, David Sr 86, 386 

Bowman, David Jr 86, 386 

Bowman, John J 87, 388 

Bowser, William H 131, 388 

Bradford Church 222 

Bremen Church House 150 

Brethren's Home 297 

Bright, George 150 

Bright, Isaac 87, 388 

Bright, Hamilton G 302, 390 

Bright, John Calvin 103, 390 

Bright, J. Homer 393 

Bright, John Daniel 261, 394 

Brookens, Henry 256 

Brooks, Harlan J 97, 394 

Brookville Church 107 

Brower, John 50, 167 

Brower, Israel 168 

Brower, Jacob 168 

Brower, George 168 

Brower, Frank 285, 395 

Brubaker, Nicholas 87, 396 

Brubaker, J. Franklin 169, 396 

Brubaker, Henry 129, 395 

Brubaker, Benjamin 130, 396 

Brubaker, Aaron 169, 398 

Brubaker, O. G 263, 311 

Brumbaugh, David 86, 398 

Brumbaugh, Conrad 87, 103 

Brumbaugh, Abraham 219, 400 

Brumbaugh, J. R 256, 401 

Brumbaugh, Jesse K 243, 403 

Brumbaugh, John H 243, 401 

Brumbaugh, J. C 244, 402 

Brumbaugh, Enos E 244, 404 

Brumbaugh, Elmer 137,404 

Brush Creek Church 53 

Bucklew, William 244 

Bucklew, A. H 244, 405 

Buckley, William J 216, 406 

Buntain, George W 52 

Burger, Robert E 244, 286 

Burkett, John 94 

Cable, John 198 

Cadwallader, John 205 



600 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Calvert, Robert 55, 406 

Calvert, Mills 55, 407 

Calvert, William 60, 408 

Calvert, W. Quinter 60, 409 

Campbellsville Mission 182 

Camp Sherman 324 

Carter, Harvey 155 

Carnes, Jacob 50 

Cassell, William 241, 410 

Cassel's Run Church 63 

Casstown Church 139 

Castine Church House 178 

Caylor, Elias 76 

Cedar Grove Church House... 180 

Central Group, The 237 

Charity Work, The 297 

Charleston Church 158 

Christian, John H 220, 411 

Church Name, The 26 

Church Activities 291 

Circleville Church 156 

Civil War, The 323 

Cloppert, John Sr 241 

Cloppert, John Jr 243 

Cloppert, Hugh L 95, 412 

Coate, A. David .224, 413 

Conover, Norman A 99, 413 

Constance Church 184 

Cook, Henry 270 

Cook, Amos 270 

Cool, P. N 275, 414 

Coppock, Samuel 135, 415 

Coppock, Jacob 136, 416 

Coppock, C. V 249, 418 

Coppess, Josiah 270 

Cordier, F. P 219, 418 

Cotterman, Frank 83, 119 

Cottrell, Laura Murphy .. .311, 280 

Countryman, John 48, 54 

Couser, J. A. R 60, 418 

Couser, Earnest Friend. ... 118, 419 

Covington Group, The 193 

Covington Church 196 

Coy, Aaron : 113, 419 

Creyfelt 27 

Cripe, Daniel 93, 420 

Crist, Jacob Sr 129, 421 

Crist, Jacob Jr 129, 421 

Crosswhite, A. G 173, 422 

Crowell, Devalt 213, 422 

Crowell, J. A 215 

Crumrine, John 268 

Culp, Charles E 119, 423 

Culp, Andrew C 183 

Custer, Jacob 69 

Custer, Isaiah 61, 423 

Custer, Frank C 69, 425 



Danford, Edward 229 

Darst, John 139, 425 

Darst, Isaac 128 

Darst, B. F 113 

Davidson, Ross C 69, 427 

Davis, T. Elwood 67 

Davy, Henry Dorsey 139, 427 

Deaton, J. F 173, 428 

Deaton, William 173, 429 

Deeter, David 196 

Detrick, Abraham 219, 241, 429 

Detrick, W. C 204 

Detwiler, Christian F 69 

Dickey, Elias 218, 270 

Diehl, Jacob 77 

Dillon, Robert 173, 430 

District Boundaries 40,41, 42 

District Meetings 335 

Divisions 347 

Doctrine 29, 30, 31 

Dodge, Arthur 270, 430 

Dolby, Mattie Cunningham, 155, 430 

Dolby, Wiley 432 

Donnel's Creek Church 128 

Dredge, David S 145, 432 

Duncan, Henry 114 

Early Church, The 23 

Early Customs 35 

Early Ohio History 33 

Early Settlements 35 

Eastern Group, The 125 

East Dayton Church 115 

Ebersole, Jacob 129, 433 

Eby, Henry 89, 179, 434 

Eby, Josiah 87, 434 

Eby, Anna 435 

Eby, Frank 99, 436 

Educational Work, The 318 

Eidemiller, J. Howard 137, 437 

Eikenberry, Peter 166 

Eikenberry, Joseph 172 

Eikenberry, Josiah 173 

Eikenberry, John 190, 437 

Erbaugh, Abraham 103, 438 

Erbaugh, George 103, 438 

Erbaugh, Ivan L 89, 439 

Erbaugh, Noah W 169, 439 

Erbaugh, S. A 440 

Erbaugh Clarence G Ill, 440 

Etter, Michael , 76 

Eversole Church 109 

Fairview Church 153 

Faith and Practice 27 

Fall Creek Church 66 

Fidler, John W 244, 441 

Filbrun, David S 136, 442 

Filbrun, B. F 140 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



601 



Filbrun, Parker M 89, 444 

First Home Mission Work.... 32 
First Congregation in America 32 
First Converts in America.... 32 
First Religious Newspaper 

Printed in America 33 

First Bible Printed in America 33 
First Love Feast Held in 

America 32 

First Sunday School, The 293 

First Sunday School in Ohio, 

The 293 

First Preachers in Ohio 48 

Fitzgerald, J. W 89 

Fitzwater, P. B 445 

Flora, J. C 137, 446 

Flory, Abraham 94 

Flory, David 169 

Flory, John 241 

Flory, Emanuel 103, 240 

Flory, Ezra 244, 447 

Flory, Charles L 244, 448 

Flory, George W 203, 449 

Flory, R. F 276, 450 

Foreign Mission, The 309 

Frankfort Church 153 

Frankstowners 91 

Frantz, Christian 128, 450 

Frantz, Nicholas 129, 451 

Frantz, John 129, 451 

Frantz, Aaron 130, 452 

Frantz, Henry 131, 452 

Frantz, Edward 453 

Frantz, Isaac 209, 454 

Frantz, Ira H 229, 454 

Free, Joseph 95, 455 

Fryman, C. O 282, 455 

Ft. McKinley Church 101 

Fulk, Thomas 67 

Funderburg, George 129, 456 

Funderburg, Cyrus 133, 457 

Funderburg, Drue D 133, 457 

Funderburg, Edward C 458 

Garber, Joseph 94 

Garber, Samuel 103, 458 

Garber, Henry 103 

Garber, John 459 

Garber, Jacob 87, 459 

Garber, Henry P 272 

Garber, Daniel 179 

Garman, John 55 

Garst, Jesse 83, 459 

Garst, John Milton 84, 461 

Garver, John Sr 50, 128 

Garver, John Jr 51 

Garver, Jacob 50, 68 

Garver, George 87, 462 

Garver, Daniel M 89, 463 



Germantown Church, Old 32 

Gilbert, Ezra 103 

Gilbert, Silas 256, 465 

Gilbert, Julia A 466 

Glick, John 133 

Good, John H 171, 466 

Gospel Messenger, The 26 

Graham, James H 160, 161 

Gratis Church House 175 

Gray, Taswell 178 

Greenville Creek Group 265 

Greenville Creek Church 268 

Greenville Church 280 

Groff, Joseph 218, 467 

Groff, Nathan D 219, 467 

Grossnickle, Daniel 51 

Grossnickle, S. P 52, 467 

Gump, Henry 136, 468 

Gump, S. S 136, 469 

Gump, John B 136, 470 

Gunnersville Mission 132 

Haines, O. P 120, 471 

Halladay, Paul W 279, 471 

Harris Creek Church 211 

Hart, John 171 

Harter, David 269, 284 

Hartsough, Aaron 151 

Hartsough, Daniel 151 

Hatton, Ralph R 107, 472 

Haywood. Nathan 51, 172 

Heck, Peter 130 

Heckman, Minna Mote 311 

Heisey, Lester 159, 472 

Heisey, W. Jeremiah 251, 473 

Helman, Adam 213 

Helman, J. Q 277, 472 

Hendricks, John 48, 151 

Hendrickson, Daniel C... 248, 473 

Hepner, Jacob A 474 

Hershey, John 199, 211 

Hershey, Emanuel 217 

Hickory Grove Church 134 

Hixson, Armanis J 67 

Hochstetler, John . 48 

Hodgden, Dorsey 474 

Hodgensville Mission 182 

Holler, Frederick 79 

Holler, George 79, 475 

Holler, Jacob 82, 476 

Holler, H. W 102, 476 

Hollinger, Jacob 228 

Hollinger, Moses 287, 477 

Hollinger, Jeremiah 477 

Hollinger, David 280, 478 

Hollinger. E. Sylvester. .. .287, 479 

Holtzmueller. Lewis 179 

Home Mission Work 304 

Homes, Pioneer 35 



60, 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Hon, Peter 48, 54 

Honites 55 

Honeyman, Benjamin F....94, 479 

Hoover, Emanuel 214, 219 

Hoover, Samuel W 95, 480 

Hoover, Oliver Perry 119,481 

Hoover, William I. T 119, 481 

Hoover, Johnathan 229, 482 

Horning, Jonas 169, 482 

Horning, Samuel 103, 483 

Hospitality, Pioneer 38 

Hufford, John 151 

Hunsacker, John 151 

Hyer, Absalom 256 

Hyer, Isaac 87, 94 

Hyer, Enoch 82, 484 

Hylton, Charles 257 

Indian Tribes in Southern 

Ohio 33, 34 

Influenza Epidemic 325 

Inman, Jesse Calvert 149, 485 

Jarnigan, Isaac 55, 56 

Jeffersonville Mission 432 

Jobes, Herschel M 261, 486 

Jones, Henry 255 

Jordan, John 114 

Jordan Church House 275 

Karns, Isaac 134, 240, 487 

Karns, Gabriel 51 

Katherman, Jeremiah 218, 487 

Kauffman, Joseph N 130, 488 

Keen, Jacob 79, 489 

Keller, Gotleip 87 

Keller, D. H 120, 490 

Keller, William J 102, 491 

Kelso Jacob 154 

Kentucky Church The 47 

Kimmel, John 103 

Kinsey, Samuel 94 

Kinsey, Jesse 243, 492 

Kiser, Benjamin 230 

Klepinger, William 95, 493 

Klepinger, Alfred L 95, 494 

Kindell, Eva 495 

Knoepfle, Charles 187 

Kreider, Tobias 256, 496 

Kreider, Lawrence 257, 498 

Kreider, Willis C 257, 499 

Lair, John 51, 114 

Landess, B. S 69 

Landis, Michael 103, 105 

Landis, David 134 

Landis, Jacob 241 

Landis, Joseph 256 

Landisites 349 



Lanter, George M 270 

Lantis, Raymond M 285, 499 

Lawyer, John 50 

Leatherman, David 131, 499 

Leatherman, Roland N....133, 502 

Leedy, Joseph 172 

Lexington Church 64 

Little Turtle 34 

Longanecker, Henry Sr 197 

Longanecker, Joseph 179, 503 

Longanecker, Henry C....220, 503 

Loramie Church 228 

Lost Creek Church 139 

Lower Miami Church 78 

Lower Stillwater Church 91 

Lower Twin Church 167 

Lowman, Jacob 169 

Ludlow Church 259 

Mack, Alexander 25, 32 

Madison County Mission 130 

Major, Thomas 66, 504 

Major, Sarah 66, 504 

Mallow, Adam Jr 153 

Mallow, William D 67 

Maphis, O'mer B 107, 504 

Marble Furnace Church 61 

Marquis, William K. Sr 268 

Marquis, William K. Jr 269 

Marienborn 27 

Martin, J. F. 226, 506 

Maugans, Mathias 50 

May Hill Church 59 

May, James . 156, 507 

May, E. Charles 156 

McCorkle, Uriah R 229, 507 

McFarland, William E 270, 507 

McNelly, Calvin 104 

Metzger, Henry 86 

Metzger, John 90 

Miami Valley 75 

Middle District Church 246 

Middletown Church 1 8 8 

Mikesell, Simon 103, 140 

Miller, Jacob 75, 508 

Miller, David 95 

Miller, Abraham 79 

Miller, Daniel 51, 508 

Miller, Samuel 173, 510 

Miller, Stephen 103, 255 

Miller, George 87 

Miller, Isaac 173, 217 

Miller, John 173 

Miller, Jonas W 214 

Miller, D. B.... 257 

Miller, C. C 275 

Miller, Emanuel 284 

Miller, Harvey 95, 515 

Miller, B. F 511 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



603 



Miller, Andrew 179, 511 

Miller, I. B 221, 512 

Miller, Hugh 133, 512 

Miller, Mina Bosserman" 513 

Miller, J. P 249, 514 

Miller, Edward 261, 515 

Miller, A. B 516 

Miller, Bowman Group 73 

Ministerial Work, The 313 

Ministerial Statistics 315 

Minnich, Wendell 178 

Minnich, Adam 516 

Minnich, Granville W 257, 516 

Minnich, David 275, 517 

Minnich, William 244, 518 

Minnich, Levi 520 

Mishler, David 168 

Mohler, Rudolph 197 

Mohler, Andrew 51 

Mohler, John Sr 51 

Mohler, John Jr 52 

Mohler, Samuel 200, 521 

Mohler, S. S 200, 213 

Mohler, Jacob 202 

Mohler, George 203, 522 

Moll, J. T 184, 523 

Moll, Sarah E 184, 523 

Moomaw, John 67, 154 

Moomaw, Jacob 128 

Moomaw, B. F 154 

Moore, Michael 151 

Mosquito Creek Church 230 

Mote, Harvey .275, 524 

Moyer, Michael 81 

Murphy, W. R 140 

Murray, Samuel Sr 103 

Murray, Samuel Jr 201 

Murray, David 81, 243, 525 

Murray, George 81 

Murray, D. R 120, 526 

Nead, Peter 94, 526 

Neal, Francis 248 

Neff, James M 203, 527 

Neff, Earl Chester 89, 528 

Neher, Abraham S 137, 528 

Netzly, William 270 

New Carlisle Church 144 

New Lebanon Church House.. 90 

Newton Church 205 

Nicodemus, R. H 58, 529 

Nill. Joseph 173 

Noffsinger, Daniel 81, 530 

Noff singer, E^ra 270, 530 

Noffsinger, W. P 270, 531 

Noffsinger, Jesse .84, 532 

Noffsinger, John S 84, 533 

Noland. Sylvester 59 

North Star Church 224 



Northwest Territory 33 

Number of Ministers 42 

Number of Members 42 

Number of Church Houses.... 42 

Oakland Church 216 

Oberholtzer, Elizabeth Wey- 

bright 534 

Ockerman, Daniel 64 

Ockerman, J. Elwood 67 

Ockerman, David Allen.... 67, 534 

Ockerman, Leslie E 67 

Ogle, Alfred 178 

Ohmert, Jacob 128 

Olinger, John 177 

Oliver, David 89 

Old Order Brethren 350 

Oren, A. W 95, 535 

Organization of the Church... 25 

Orphanage, The 300 

Overholser, J. E 223, 536 

Paint Creek Church 154 

Painter Creek Church 261 

Parker, I. D 151 

Parker, Samuel 67 

Patton, Leroy 159, 536 

Peace Work, The 323 

Peifer, Lewis R 132, 537 

Penn, William 27 

Persecution of the Brethren. 25, 27 

Peters, Woodford 137, 538 

Petry, Samuel 178 

Petry, George 270 

Petry, Jacob 177 

Petry, Luther 179, 538 

Petry, Andrew A 287, 539 

Petry, Michel M 539 

Petry, S. S 539 

Petry, Benjamin F 173, 539 

Petry, C. C 180, 540 

Petry, E. S 144, 540 

Petry, H. H 180, 540 

Petry, C. H 144, 540 

Pfeifer, Adam 537 

Pfoutz, Samuel 103 

Pietists, The 25, 26 

Pitsburg Church 259 

Pittenger, John M 209, 542 

Pleasant Hill Church 205 

Pleasant Valley Church 274 

Poplar Grove Church 277 

Porter, Samuel E .215, 543 

Price, Isaac 207 

Price's Creek Church 175 

Pringle, Joseoh 51, 543 

Priser, Harvey Allen Ill, 544 

Priser, David F 169, 544 

Progressive Brethren, The.... 354 



604 



History of the Church of the Brethren 



Publishing House, Brethren... 26 

Publishing House, Sower 318 

Puterbaugh, Samuel 270 

Quinter, James 66, 201, 545 

Rairigh, Samuel 211 

Rairigh, Isaiah 218 

Rarick, J. G 275 

Rarick, Ralph G 210, 546 

Reed, P. D 140 

Red River Church House 263 

Renner, Eli 272 

Rensberger, Melvin 281, 270 

Richards, Alva 89, 547 

Richards, Herbert F 180, 547 

Ridenour, James A 82 

Ridge Church 53 

Risser, Joseph 199 

Robbins, Joseph P 104, 548 

Roberts, M. D 270 

Robinson, John A 210, 548 

Roby, Daniel 114 

Roby, William 114 

Rogers, J. W 261, 549 

Rolland, Casper 48 

Root, John H 109, 550 

Recreations, Pioneer 38 

Rosenberger, 1. J 203,550 

Rosenberger, A. S 202, 552 

Ro3^er, Jesse 173 

Royer, Samuel D 214, 553 

Royer, William 257, 554 

Royer, Harvey C 555 

Royer, Oliver 157, 180, 556 

Royer, Galen B. Jr 263, 556 

Royer, William E 223, 556 

Royer, Jonas G 212, 557 

Rubsom, Henry 134 

Rush Creek Church 150 

Sala, George 87 

Sandy, Jacob D 131, 557 

Saylor, Rudy A 261, 558 

Schofield, Elijah J SO 

Schooley, Edgar E 191. 559 

Schwarzenau 27 

Selective Draft Act 324 

Sell, William K 275, 559 

Separists. The 25 

Shank, Emanuel 83, 559 

Shank, Ray O 107. 560 

Sharp, Benjamin F 274, 560 

Shellabarger, David 134 

Shellabargrer, Samuel 241 

Shively, Daniel P 90 

Shock, Adam 241 

Shock ,Warren 2^1 

Shoup, Moses 112 



Showalter, J. Henry 561 

Sidney Church 230 

Siler, George 178 

Simmons, William K 269, 562 

Simplicity, Pioneer 37, 38 

Sisters' Aid Society 302 

Smith, Bartley 69 

Smith, John 99, 563 

Smith, Samuel Z 233, 565 

Smith, H. Z 221, 566 

Smith, Albert 263, 567 

Snell, Samuel 244, 567 

Snider, Daniel 150 

Sollenberger, John W 243, 568 

Sollenberger, D. P 248, 570 

Sollenberger, O. C 249, 570 

Sollenberger, Clarence C...157, 571 

Southern Field Group 45 

Sower, Christopher 318 

Spanish-American W T ar 324 

Special Meetmgs 327 

Spitler, Noah 248 

Springfield Church 147 

Staly, Jacob 150 

Stauffer, Frederick 256, 571" 

Stauffer, Elias 572 

St. Clair's Defeat 34 

Stemen, Abraham 151 

Stephens, Resin 178, 284 

Stillwater Church 196 

Stillwater Junction Church.... 90 

Stinebarger, Adam 134 

Stockdale, Charles R 279, 573 

Stonelick Church 49 

Stoneburner, Philip 151 

Stoner, Eli 152 

Stoner, Levi 152 

Stoner, John 173 

Stouder, David 48 

Stover, John M 573 

Strait Creek Valley Church. ... 57 

Studebaker, Jesse 135 

Studebaker, G. W 135 

Studebaker, John 140, 574 

Studebaker, David 134, 575 

Studebaker, Isaac 136, 576 

Studebaker, S. F 577 

Stump, George C 284, 577 

Stutsman, Jesse 243, 578 

Stutsman, David 117, 579 

Suarar Grove Church House... 202 

Sugar Hill Church 167 

Summerford Church House... 130 

Sunday-school Work 293 

Sunday-school Statistics 294 

Sunday-school Institute 333 

Swank, Eli 255 

Swinger, William 89, 580 



of the Southern District of Ohio 



605 



Taxes 77 

Teach, Roy B 147, 580 

Teal, Samuel 165 

Tecumseh '. 34 

Teeter, William C 120 

Temperance Work, The 321 

Tippy, Samuel 580 

Tom's Run Church House 168 

Trotwood Church 97 

Trout, I. Bennett 581 

Troy Church 142 

Twin Church 166 

Twin Creek Group 163 

Twin Valley Church 65 

Ullery, David 87 

Union City Church 268 

Upper Stillwater Church 211 

Upper Twin Church 171 

Vaniman, Daniel 90 

Waldenses 28 

Waltz, Daniel 272 

Wampler, Philip 94 

W^ampler, Daniel 95, 275 

Warner, D. F..... 121, 583 

Wayne's Great Victory 34 

Weaver, John 284 

Weaver, Frederick 50 

Weaver, Herschel 180, 583 

Wehrly, H. P 179 

Weimer, Abraham 584 

Weimer, Frank J 281, 584 

Weimer, Allan H 281, 584 

Weimer, Lawrence 121, 585 

Weir, Samuel 153 

Wenger, Stanley C 244, 585 



Wenger, Russel C 251, 585 

Wenger, Samuel B 251, 586 

Wenrick, Thomas B 269, 586 

Wenrick, Johnathan 284 

Wenrick, A. D 113, 587 

West Charleston Church 137 

West Landon 55, 588 

West Milton Church 249 

Wheatville Church House 175 

White Oak Church 68 

Wilkin, George 69 

Wine, A. F 52 

Wine, D. D 209, 590 

Wine, Norman B 121, 591 

Wissahickon Creek 32 

Wogoman, Joel 103 

Wolf Creek Church 102 

Wolf, Jacob 94 

Wolfe, George Sr 47 

Workman, Clifford 133, 592 

World War, The 324 

Worst, J. H 152 

Wright, Van B 62, 67, 592 

Wrightsman, Peter R 115 

Wrightsman, John 103 

Younce, Philip 252, 593 

Younce, John 255 

Younce, Davis 256, 594 

Younce, Abraham 169, 594 

Young People, Our 297 

Young, A. C 270 

Young, Isaac 173 

Young, Leonard 133 

Yount, Oliver F 136, 595 

Yount, Oran S 142, 598 

Zumbrun, Levi 598 









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